Rafael Carrera and the Emergence of the Republic of Guatemala, 1821-1871 - by Ralph Lee Woodward (Paperback)

About the Book

Rafael Carrera (1814-1865) ruled Guatemala from about 1839 until his death. Among Central America's many political strongmen, he is unrivaled in the length of his domination and the depth of his popularity. This "life and times" biography explains the political, social, economic, and cultural circumstances that facilitated his ascendancy.

Book Synopsis

Rafael Carrera (1814-1865) ruled Guatemala from about 1839 until his death. Among Central America's many political strongmen, he is unrivaled in the length of his domination and the depth of his popularity. This "life and times" biography explains the political, social, economic, and cultural circumstances that preceded and then facilitated Carrera's ascendancy and shows how Carrera in turn fomented changes that persisted long after his death and far beyond the borders of Guatemala.

Review Quotes

[Woodward] uses a wide range of primary sources and furnished the reader with an excellent biography. A significant work in the field of nineteenth-century Latin American history.

--Choice

Based on extensive research, Ralph Woodward's scholarly book gives a detailed and balanced account of Carrera's political career and conservative legacy.

--British Bulletin of Publications on Latin America, The Caribbean, Portugal and Spain

No previous work on a major figure, movement or country of Central America so thoroughly puts the titled topic to rest. . . . It provides a benchmark from which to orient the isthmian historical terrain.

--Hispanic American Historical Review

This book, Woodward's latest contribution to his decades-long work on the region, is a thoughtful and long-awaited reassessment.

--Historian

Woodward has presented the field with all that is known, and perhaps knowable, about the figure of Rafael Carrera.

--American Historical Review

About the Author

RALPH LEE WOODWARD JR. is the Joe and Teresa Long Professor of Social Science at Tarleton State University. His books include A Short History of Guatemala and Central America, a Nation Divided.