Che Guevara Reader: Writings on Politics & Revolution

by Ernesto Che Guevara, David Deutschmann (Editor)

A new, revised and expanded edition of an Ocean Press classic.

This reader is the bestselling, most comprehensive selection of Che Guevara’s writings, letters and speeches available in English. This volume covers Che’s writings on the Cuban revolutionary war, the first years of the revolution in Cuba and his vision for Latin America and the Third World. It includes such classic essays as "Socialism and Man in Cuba" and his call to create "Two, Three, Many Vietnams."

Among the features of this expanded edition are several unpublished articles, essays and letters, including a letter from Che to his children shortly before his death in Bolivia in 1967 and an essay, "Strategy and tactics for the Latin American revolution."

This new edition of a popular Ocean title is published in collaboration with the Che Guevara Archive in Havana. It includes:

* an expanded and revised chronology
* complete bibliography of the works of Che Guevara
* new, extensive annotation and index

"Deep inside the T-shirt where we have tried to trap him the eyes of Che Guevara are still burning with im-patience."—Ariel Dorfman

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Philosophy, Biography, Economics, Essays

420 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Ernesto "Che" Guevara, commonly known as El Che or simply Che, was a Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, intellectual, guerrilla leader, diplomat, and military theorist. A major figure of the Cuban Revolution, since his death Guevara's stylized visage has become an ubiquitous countercultural symbol and global icon within popular culture.

His belief in the necessity of world revolution to advance the interests of the poor prompted his involvement in Guatemala's social reforms under President Jacobo Arbenz, whose eventual CIA-assisted overthrow solidified Guevara's radical ideology. Later, while living in Mexico City, he met Raúl and Fidel Castro, joined their movement, and travelled to Cuba with the intention of overthrowing the U.S.-backed Batista regime. Guevara soon rose to prominence among the insurgents, was promoted to second-in-command, and played a pivotal role in the successful two year guerrilla campaign that topled the Cuban government.

After serving in a number of key roles in the new government, Guevara left Cuba in 1965 to foment revolution abroad, first unsuccessfully in Congo-Kinshasa and later in Bolivia, where he was captured by CIA-assisted Bolivian forces and executed.

Guevara remains both a revered and reviled historical figure, polarized in the collective imagination in a multitude of biographies, memoirs, essays, documentaries, songs, and films. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century, while an Alberto Korda photograph of him entitled "Guerrillero Heroico," was declared "the most famous photograph in the world" by the Maryland Institute of Art.

Reviews

[Jay G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In short, if you have even the slightest interest in understanding Ernesto Guevara as a man; his ideas, ideals, his vision for a better society, this is the one to read.
Che biographies are abundant, but this is not only a collection of some of his most inspired writings and letters, it also contains some of his most powerful and enlightened speeches; to the people of Cuba, to the people of other oppressed nations as well as his infamous address to the United Nations where he ass raped American capitalism, imperialism and colonialism. Take all those retarded things that people say about Chuck Norris and replace his name w/Che.
Balls of steel.
If we chose to learn from people like him, Allende, Arbenz, Malcolm X and so on, rather than killing them...well, hmmm, then I guess we just wouldn't be America.

Jay G.

[Guillermo Galvan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For years the image of Che has lingered in the background of my life. I couldn't take it anymore. Che is so incredibly popular that he has been mythologized as a saint. Others see him a murderous fascist. For this reason I was skeptical about investing time in any writer. If I have to select one, why not the man himself?

The Che reader contains an excellent range of Che's writing. Of course, the largest section is about Cuba. He tells the story from it's beginnings in South America, to the guerrilla fighting in the jungles, and the realities of governing a country. I was impressed by the many faces of Che: soldier, medic, economist, orator, government official, sociologist, etc. But what really impressed me was his blunt honesty.

“I am not Christ or a philanthropist, old lady, I am all the contrary of a Christ. I fight for the things I believe in, with all the weapons at my disposal and try to leave the other man dead so that I don’t get nailed to a cross or any other place.”

While reading the Che Reader, I thought I would have to turn on my bullshit detector. Surprisingly, it was hardly necessary. Che is an extremely blunt man who plainly speaks about his mistakes as easily as he speaks of his victories. Never once did he try to portray himself as some kind of peace advocate using violence for a higher goal. He knew where he stood as a soldier: a man willing to kill anyone who stood in his way.

“What we affirm is that we must proceed along the path of liberation even if this costs millions of atomic victims.”

Though I disagreed with many of Che's ideas, I could appreciate his laying them on the table for scrutiny. Yes, he is immensely idealistic, and his long speeches exalting communism get tiresome (unless you're some kind of fanatic). And the long sections on economic statistics are incredibly boring. It's ironic that the anti-capitalism icon was very knowledgeable about economics and took a direct hand in shaping Cuba's place in the global market.

The Che Reader allows the man to present himself. For me, Che still remains an enigma. I thought the reader would demystify the legend into a man. It did. But seeing Che as a ordinary man who lived an incredible life, somehow recreates him into an even larger figure. So, what do I think of Che now? Well... his heart is in the right place.

If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me Che Guevara is one of the greatest men in modern human history, so of course I will determine that this volume of his writings, speeches and letters has a lot of value. The highlights are his journal from the revolution, his speech to the U.N., his famous "Two, Three Vietnams" essay, and his letters. Unfortunately as an entire volume it lost my interest because his speeches get quite repetitive. There's only so much I can take of the lofty idealism about future revolutions, or the withering (however incisive) criticism of capitalism.

There's not much wrong with his analysis apart from the common-to-that-era defect of overestimating the imminence of global revolution. Turns out it's pretty hard to maintain objectivity about a global movement's chances when you're right in the middle of a hyper-local struggle. And all of these people underestimated the capacity of global capital to regroup and retrench. Overall though, Guevara's assessment of how imperialist countries exploit underdeveloped nations is spectacular. Some of my favorite passages:

At the risk of seeming ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality. Perhaps it is one of the great dramas of the leader that he or she must combine a passionate spirit with a cold intelligence and make painful decisions without flinching. Our vanguard revolutionaries must idealize this love of the people, of the most sacred causes, and make it one and indivisible. (225-6)

Relating this discussion to the Americas, one must ask the necessary question: What are the tactical elements that must be used to achieve the major objective of taking power in this part of the world? Is it possible or not, given the present conditions in our continent, to achieve it (socialist power, that is) by peaceful means? We emphatically answer that, in the great majority of cases, it is not possible. The most that could be achieved would be the formal takeover of the bourgeois superstructure of power, and the transition to socialism by the government; having achieved formal power under the established bourgeois legal system there would still be a very violent struggle against all who attempt in one way or another to check its progress toward new social structures. (295)

... We now have flung in our faces these latest acts [in Congo] that have filled the world with indignation. Who are the perpetrators? Belgian paratroopers, carried by U.S. planes, who took off from British bases. We remember as if it were yesterday that we saw a small country in Europe, a civilized and industrious country, the Kingdom of Belgium, invaded by Hitler's hordes. We were embittered by the knowledge that this small nation was massacred by German imperialism, and we felt affection for its people. But this other side of the imperialist coin was the one that many of us did not see. Perhaps the sons of Belgian patriots who died defending the country's liberty are now murdering in cold blood thousands of Congolese in the name of the white race, just as they suffered under the German heel because their blood was not sufficiently Aryan. (329-30)

Our free eyes open now on new horizons and can see what yesterday, in our condition as colonial slaves, we could not observe: that "Western Civilization" disguises behind its showy facade a picture of hyenas and jackals. That is the only name that can be applied to those who have gone to fulfill such "humanitarian" tasks in the Congo. A carnivorous animal that feeds on unarmed peoples. That is what imperialism does to men. That is what distinguishes the imperial "white man." (330)

And my favorite (I LOVE this ending metaphor):

It is undeniable that present-day prices are unfair. It is equally true that those prices are conditioned by monopoly restriction of markets and by the establishment of political relationships that make free competition a term applied one-sidedly: free competition for the monopolies -- a free fox among free chickens. (318 - my emphasis)

In conclusion, Guevara is imo one of the most honorable and admirable men of modern human history, a man of implacable integrity who truly lived his ideals in their fullest form (arguably to a fault). His only flaw of which I am aware is his adventurism, due to an exaggerated optimism about how close the Global South was to picking up arms en masse. I'd argue it was an understandable flaw, however, given his experience and incredible success in Cuba. But it was a flaw nonetheless, and it directly led to his early death. Rest in power, patria o muerte, viva Che!

Not Bad Reviews

@pointblaek

[Ingmar De Temmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got very intrigued by the figure of Che Guevara after reading the excellent biography written by jon Lee Anderson. One of the things i admired most about the biography was how brutally honest it was. Little did i know that Che himself was even more honest, direct and sometimes brutal in his way of describing himself, people around him and his work. As someone who is both interested in socialism and economy in general i thoroughly enjoyed the chapters written from the perspective of hs task as a minister of industry. Seeing someone with extensive knowledge of Marxism-Leninism try to apply it to a real life economy is riveting. And on top of that he is being very honest in his evaluation of the mistakes he made so it is exceptionally informative. All chapters are very interesting because Che himself was a very interesting person. It makes me sad to think what could have been if he never left to Bolivia to die an untimely death.

[Lorenz Gaiqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply Amazing. Interesting about history and his dedication to fight till the end with the smile even when he knew it was the end.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent selection of Che's writings, from public speeches and published texts to personal letters.

Those interested in getting a copy should note that, unlike some collections, this one doesn't work particularly well as a standalone book. This is because:

- You'll want to know (or be prepared to research) many of his ideas as well as some Marxist theory. This is especially true of his essay on the budgetary finance system, which he articulated in quite a technical way as an alternative to Soviet-style economic accounting. Web searches and academic articles helped me with this.

- The notes about his life are quite brief, so reading it alongside a biography is very useful. I'm enjoying Che: Images of a Revolutionary and have heard very good things about Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life.

- There are few contextual notes on Cuban history, so I read Brief History of Cuba, an overview from a revolutionary ideological perspective, before starting this collection. It's not the best, so if anyone has suggestions for alternatives please leave a comment.

- Some important texts are partially included, or not at all. Key works of Che's to supplement this collection include:
--- The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey: covers his journey across the continent before he was a revolutionary. Though it won't teach you much about his politics, it's a wonderful literary work.
--- Episodes of the Cuban Revolutionary War, 1956-58 (some extracts are included here).
--- Guerrilla Warfare: Che's military teachings.
--- The African Dream: The Diaries of the Revolutionary War in the Congo
--- The Bolivian Diary: Authorized Edition: the Reader ends as Che is preparing for what would be his final project, a revolution in Bolivia. Knowing what occurred gives a poignant weight to his last speeches.

None of this takes away from the value of this Reader for those researching Che. If you have already gained a lot from his writings (many of which are helpfully available for free here) this is likely to be a good investment.

[Brad B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some important insight into Che Guevara's beliefs. The book is a collection of speeches and articles with a common theme, so be prepared for some posturing and repetition. Still a very interesting read.

[carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the few collections with as much material crammed into one space as possible. I found this to be a solid introduction to the man and his work.

[Andres Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The final hour of colonialism has struck, and millions of inhabitants of Africa, Asia and Latin America rise to meet a new life and demand their unrestricted right to self-determination and to the independent development of their nations.”
 
Che Guevara, a revolutionary to the fullest extent, was an enemy to worldwide imperialism and colonialism. This book documents writings, letters, and speeches on the Cuban Revolution, guerilla warfare, building a socialist state, communism, and international solidarity.
 
The Cuban Revolution was waged by guerrilla fighters with the help of the masses to overthrow the U.S.-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista. Liberation through armed struggle was the only route under these circumstances.
 
Of course, the United States was not happy with Cuban liberation and the establishment of a socialist state in the Western Hemisphere. This was a direct threat to U.S. domination and a signal to the entire Latin American continent to fight for liberation and economic independence. Repression, assassination attempts, an embargo and political isolation were the economic and political tools waged against Cuba.
 
Repression, assassination attempts, an embargo and political isolation were the economic and political tools waged against the people of Cuba. Repression, assassination attempts, an embargo and political isolation were the economic and political tools waged against the people of Cuba.

Che was dedicated to the abolition of exploitation, racial discrimination and imperialism. He did not hesitate to call out U.S. imperialism and presidents by name. He did not hesitate to point out the hypocrisy of international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, United Nations and the Organization of American States (orchestrated by the U.S.).
 
His famous U.N. speech demonstrates the importance of international solidarity with Puerto Rico, Algeria, Congo, South Africa, Vietnam, Laos and Palestine. It is a speech that should be read by any revolutionary.

[Monene Moila · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone deeply inspired by Che Guevara and Cuban history, Che Guevara Reader is a book I’ve returned to three times, and each read has been as compelling as the first.

The collection provides profound insights into Che’s revolutionary ideas, his passion for justice, and his unwavering commitment to the oppressed. I loved how it delves into his intellect and principles, allowing me to connect with the man behind the iconic legacy.

This book not only educates but also inspires, reaffirming my admiration for Che and the historical significance of the Cuban Revolution. It’s a powerful, timeless read that stays with you long after you’ve put it down.

[kaltro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like his way of leading, his way of thinking, and the things that he would say to the people of his land. The only reason why I give this 4 stars is because I read this in Serbian, and since it's politically referred there were quite some phrases that I couldn't catch or understand. However, this definitely expands my vocabulary in other languages, and also an amazing book.

[Aleksandar Todorovski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a Prolific writer, Ernesto Che Gevara took notes during his Guerilla activities which are compiled in this manuscript. It's shocking to see how little Guerilla war has changed, and how the principles here are being used by different insurgent groups around the world up to date.

[Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed his retelling of his rebellion and his speeches on international solidarity. Didn't really understand the Cuba years section

[Mel Stead]

Review from the March 2005 issue of the Socialist Standard:

https://socialiststandardmyspace.blog...

[giovi · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a man❤️

[Comrade Zupa Ogórkowa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Che, love his writings particularly on guerrilla warfare and its advantages!

[C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this is a collection of various excerpts and short pieces, I'll admit to not reading it cover to cover, but skipping about to read what I was most interested in. Che is an articulate and clear writer, and especially in his speeches (to the U.N. and an African Conference in Algeria particularly) he manages to capture the evil of the Corporate west and the need for justice in the developing world perfectly. I only gave it three stars because there are really only so many socialist manifestoes that one can read in one sitting; his take on the Cuban revolution is a bit to self-consciously hagiographic (if not of himself than of Fidel and the revolution) to really make an objectively good read. If nothing else, however, it was worth it for the letters to his children in the back, as in a few lines they completely humanize the man behind the myth that is "Che."

[Daniel Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight on who Che Guevara was and what he stood and fought for. Also, very informative in regards to the Cuban revolution and what Che envisioned as opposed to Castro. Finally, the letters are a really nice touch and show a very human side of Che Guevara that not many people know - a father, son, and revolutionary guided by love.

[Amanda]

just bought this over the holiday ... couldnt say no... i had to see what Che was about from his own words... saw Motorcycle Diaries as a sophomore in college but past that i never really read too much.... just from reading the intro time line i can see this is going to be a book of real value to me because of his historical narrative that i never really get to hear.

[Monica]

To understand the man it's not one book or another, it's both. Reading his own work will help understand him.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still oh beating heart of mine

[Colt Hutchinson]

Quality collection of texts. The pieces on work are incredible and should be reviewed more.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great insight definite read for REAL guevara followers