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Open Veins of Latin America

Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent

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Open Veins of Latin America

By: Eduardo Galeano, Isabel Allende - Foreward
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
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About this listen

Since its U.S. debut a quarter-century ago, this brilliant text has set a new standard for historical scholarship of Latin America. It is also an outstanding political economy, a social and cultural narrative of the highest quality, and perhaps the finest description of primitive capital accumulation since Marx.

Rather than chronology, geography, or political successions, Eduardo Galeano has organized the various facets of Latin American history according to the patterns of five centuries of exploitation. Thus he is concerned with gold and silver, cacao and cotton, rubber and coffee, fruit, hides and wool, petroleum, iron, nickel, manganese, copper, aluminum ore, nitrates, and tin. These are the veins which he traces through the body of the entire continent, up to the Rio Grande and throughout the Caribbean, and all the way to their open ends where they empty into the coffers of wealth in the United States and Europe.

Weaving fact and imagery into a rich tapestry, Galeano fuses scientific analysis with the passions of a plundered and suffering people. An immense gathering of materials is framed with a vigorous style that never falters in its command of themes. All readers interested in great historical, economic, political, and social writing will find a singular analytical achievement, and an overwhelming narrative that makes history speak, unforgettably.

This classic is now further honored by Isabel Allende's inspiring introduction. Universally recognized as one of the most important writers of our time, Allende once again contributes her talents to literature, to political principles, and to enlightenment.

©1997 Eduardo Galeano (P)2009 Audible, Inc.
Americas Economic Conditions United States South America Imperialism Caribbean
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Critic reviews

"Well written and passionately stated, this is an intellectually honest and valuable study." ( Library Journal)
"A dazzling barrage of words and ideas." ( History)

What listeners say about Open Veins of Latin America

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Real Latin American History !

How can a whole continent have their wealth of natural resources stolen without igniting revolution? Why it doesn't happen , is perfectly and concisely explained in this book.

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3 people found this helpful

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Eye opening

A very important history lesson. Very well documented and argumented. Sadly just as valid in other parts of the world as in Latin America. Warmly recommended.

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A very interesting and thorough history perspective

The book is now (2024) originally written a long time ago, yet its story gives good context for today's development and states of affair. When the book was written several alternatives to today's world was still visible. It could have been different, and, of course, in the view of history the alternative futures may be envisioned too.

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Great historical perspective.

I bought the book understanding that times and opinions have changed and that facts and figures would be dates (first published 1973). Still, as someone living in Latin America (Mexico) it was very interesting to hear the early 70s discourse with respect to Cuba, Communism, the pillage of the Americas and the imperial America. Reading it in the last weeks of Hugo Chavez's life was especially interesting: 2013 so often sounds like 1973! Recommended!!!!



(Perhaps the only caveat is that the reader must recognize that the facts and figures quoted are obviously dated).

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Quality analysis

overall really really good. Only thing that bothers me is the narrator's pronunciation of "various"

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Essential reading

I cannot reccommend this book more highly. By the time I finish a chapter I just want to go back and listen again the research is so rich and analysis is pertinent. If you want to understand about South America, its history and why things are as they are you need to read this. If you are not from Latin America and from elsewhere in the world it is also essential reading if you want to know about colonialsim, imperialism or current affairs

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really unsettling listen

this book is both horrific and compelling. the story of how for centuries Europeans and then Americans have exploited and enslaved the people of Latin America.

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Very good and informative still very relevant book

Absolutely enjoyed listening to the book. Found it very informative and still very relevant to what is going on today. Also very sobering to hear all these 'stories' of the Latin American continent. Definitely worth reading. Would recommend that to anyone. Also really liked the narrator.

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very in-depth but tragically relevant perspective.

will highlight connections you may not have appreciated based on the drive to exploit central and south America s rich resources for Western countries

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Latin America

Great story. the narrator was a bit annoying.
I learned alot about the challenges of Latin America.

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