This is a good intoduction to the life of Bolivar and is aimed at the public rather than academics (hence the lack of citations). It is really well written and fun to read. I recommend this book. ( )

I have never been a student of South America and its liberation movements but i was intrigued by BOLIVAR. i live in New York where i pass frequently the statue of Simon Bolivar and when I saw this book i realized it was a chance to learn more about him. This book is chocked full of history and suspense as Bolivar rides the road to victory. It is not an easy read but worth the effort. ( )

This is one of the better books I've gotten from Early Reviewers. I have always wanted to learn more abour Simon Bolivar, but it never materialized, until now. Harvey's book is clear about his life and deeds, and gives details about his friends and enemies as well. It is a bit complicated to read, but I believe the final published edition will have maps interspersed about, which is always handy for keeping things straight. My biggest problem was that there were so many places named after cities in Spain that it was easy to trip over them, so to speak. The only issue I had with the writing is that it required one of three things. Being either a bit simpler, or more detailed, as people and events were thrown out for discussion then quickly shuttled to the background to be seen later only as a name later in the book, or thirdly, being read by a more informed reader. Harvey's book might not be the ideal place to start studying the history of the Enlightenment and Revolution Era of South America, but it certainly works as one if the reader is serious and dedicated to learning about that time and place, which is high praise for a history. Harvey is always fair in judgements, which are stated as conclusions from other sources. I could detect no personal agenda other than relaying the qualities and faults of Bolivar as both a person and leader of men and nations.

Honestly, I have no idea how Bolivar could have accomplished the feats he did, and considering what he was up against (The Spanish Empire at a late peak, the terrain of Venezuela, high frozen mountains, inhospitable tropical river plains, and backstabbing political and military rivals at home), he was either a lucky man or a singular example of the good that exists in humankind to free itself from oppression. Either way, and I lean towards the latter, the world needed, and still needs, more Bolivars. The most impressive thing to me was that he was in a position to not only grab the reins of imperial power, but to also create the very chariot that he would rule from, and, unlike almost every 'liberator' before or since, he refused to do it. Bolivar preferred to attempt to set up an idealized governmental system that would never work, unless it was staffed by people who believed as he did. Namely, that everyone had the right to be free of oppression of all kinds. The very layering caused by a governmental society seems to eventually create an elite society that takes advantage of those beneath it, so his may have been a fool's dream, but one that must be explored.

The other reviews before this are also excellent, and they get the point across as to the quality of writing. ( )

An interesting introductory biography not only of Simon Bolivar the Liberator but also of Francisco de Miranda the Precursor (literally the title given him, most likely posthumously)and their struggles for first Venezuelan and then South American independence from Spain. ( )

For me, as a first introduction to Simon Bolivar in any depth, this was an easy read and generally informative. I concur with earlier reviewers regarding lack of source citations and end notes, as well as photos. But, this was an uncorrected bound galley for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I did appreciate what I got, and found it useful. I suspect most of us could use much more background in South American history - this is such a contribution. Thank you. ( )