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Che Guevara Speaks: Selected Speeches and Writings
"A faithful reflection of Che as he was, or, better, as he developed"-from the preface by Joseph Hansen. In twenty speeches, interviews, and letters, Guevara dissects the workings of the imperialist system with scientific clarity, unflinching truthfulness, and biting humor. Cuba has shown by its example, he says, that "a people can liberate themselves and keep themselves free."
Preface by Joseph Hansen, index
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
14 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Ernesto Che Guevara
406 books2,071 followersErnesto "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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 9, 2007
This book is a great primer for those interested in learning more about the Argentina-born Cuban revolutionist, Ernesto "El Che" Guevera. It is NOT, however, a good primer for those looking to learn about about The Cuban Revolution. I think I would have found this book more enjoyable if I had known more of the nitty-gritty details of the revolution. You can learn some about the revolution from this book, but for the most part, Che's Audience in this collection of letters and speeches are people who were directly involved in these historical events, so he refers to things, that only one who has had a thorough introduction to the history of Cuba will understand.
Regardless, many of the speeches are inspiring and/or eye-opening, to say the least. It is a revealing look into the minds of individuals and of a people who were willing to take up arms for a better way of life, or, at least, self-determination.
Anyone who owns a trendy "El Che" t-shirt/handbag/hat/bumpersticker or a rage against the machine album should read this or a book similar to it. I believe that this collection of works all written by Che Guevera himself could give insight that a simple history or biography could not. However, I would recommend reading a introductory history of the Cuban Revolution before reading this book.
Regardless, many of the speeches are inspiring and/or eye-opening, to say the least. It is a revealing look into the minds of individuals and of a people who were willing to take up arms for a better way of life, or, at least, self-determination.
Anyone who owns a trendy "El Che" t-shirt/handbag/hat/bumpersticker or a rage against the machine album should read this or a book similar to it. I believe that this collection of works all written by Che Guevera himself could give insight that a simple history or biography could not. However, I would recommend reading a introductory history of the Cuban Revolution before reading this book.
May 19, 2020
بشر مدت ها کوشیده است که از طریق فرهنگ و هنر، خود را از الیناسیون رها سازد. در حالی که پس از روزانه هشت ساعت جان کندن یا بیشتر که نقش کالا را ایفا می کند به خود می آِید و پس از فراغتی کوتاه به فکر معنویت می افتد
حتی مرگم را شکست به حساب نمی آورم ، به جای آن، تنها حسرت ترانه ای ناتمام را با خود به گور خواهم برد
November 17, 2025
3.5
Much can be said about Che Guevara: he was an idealist, guided by a belief in a revolutionary Marxist utopia. Yet reading his speeches left me with an overwhelming sense of respect for the man himself. Compared with many politicians of today, few are able to articulate their thoughts and convictions as clearly and forcefully as Guevara.
His words continue to inspire, even on the page. One senses that he lived according to a firm moral compass and sought to lead by example. Many of his ideas still resonate and remain strikingly relevant to the world we live in. His writings on imperialism and neocolonialism, in particular, offer valuable insights and lessons for policymaker, regardless of their ideological convictions.
Much can be said about Che Guevara: he was an idealist, guided by a belief in a revolutionary Marxist utopia. Yet reading his speeches left me with an overwhelming sense of respect for the man himself. Compared with many politicians of today, few are able to articulate their thoughts and convictions as clearly and forcefully as Guevara.
His words continue to inspire, even on the page. One senses that he lived according to a firm moral compass and sought to lead by example. Many of his ideas still resonate and remain strikingly relevant to the world we live in. His writings on imperialism and neocolonialism, in particular, offer valuable insights and lessons for policymaker, regardless of their ideological convictions.
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January 4, 2022His connection with nature is everything to me. Such a crush.
A revolución non é ninguén sen a terra.
"Sin azúcar no hay país"
A revolución non é ninguén sen a terra.
"Sin azúcar no hay país"
October 22, 2018
Amazing because these were all his original writings. Really liked his short letters to his fam and Fidel at the end. I didn't know how avidly, openly, and frequently he criticized the US
January 31, 2024
I did not expect to share the same worldview as Che Guevara. I hope to visit Cuba one day.
A revolutionary in the truest sense, Che Guevara believed in the full abolition of exploitation, i.e. capitalism.
I don’t believe in a system based on exploitation. The basis of capitalism is exploitation, therefore, I’m anti-capitalist. I believe everyone should have a basic standard of living regardless of their occupation.
Under a capitalist system, it is not profitable to provide free housing. Under a capitalist system, it is not profitable to provide free healthcare. Under this capitalist system, it is not profitable to provide free college.
Che clearly understood the function of imperialism and the function of capitalism to create two classes: the elite and the exploited masses. Much like Kwame Nkrumah and Walter Rodney, Che had a Marxist view of the world and understood this international division of labor.
The United States absolutely, without a doubt, feared this man and his revolutionary potential in Latin America. Overthrowing U.S. imperialism in Cuba was an absolute threat to U.S. neocolonial domination throughout Latin America.
A revolutionary in the truest sense, Che Guevara believed in the full abolition of exploitation, i.e. capitalism.
I don’t believe in a system based on exploitation. The basis of capitalism is exploitation, therefore, I’m anti-capitalist. I believe everyone should have a basic standard of living regardless of their occupation.
Under a capitalist system, it is not profitable to provide free housing. Under a capitalist system, it is not profitable to provide free healthcare. Under this capitalist system, it is not profitable to provide free college.
Che clearly understood the function of imperialism and the function of capitalism to create two classes: the elite and the exploited masses. Much like Kwame Nkrumah and Walter Rodney, Che had a Marxist view of the world and understood this international division of labor.
The United States absolutely, without a doubt, feared this man and his revolutionary potential in Latin America. Overthrowing U.S. imperialism in Cuba was an absolute threat to U.S. neocolonial domination throughout Latin America.
April 20, 2023
I’ll go ahead and say that this gets a little dry at times, as a lot of it is closely tied to specific events in Latin America that aren’t happening in the same way today.
But this book is EXACTLY what it claims to be: a collection of speeches, writings, and interviews by Guevara. No matter your political or social ideologies and leanings, you can read this to understand Guevara’s ideas, outlooks, and goals.
This is also a great companion piece for those who have read Jon Lee Anderson’s “Che.”
But this book is EXACTLY what it claims to be: a collection of speeches, writings, and interviews by Guevara. No matter your political or social ideologies and leanings, you can read this to understand Guevara’s ideas, outlooks, and goals.
This is also a great companion piece for those who have read Jon Lee Anderson’s “Che.”
June 30, 2023
Wonderful book, so happy these writings were made available. No matter what one could think of socialism and Marxism, it is undeniable that Che speaks and acts from the point of view of the oppressed. While he chose a path with violence, his ideology and actions stemmed more from a deep sense of love of the people and their true freedom, rather than the justifiable and objective hate for the united states', which is undoubtedly the oppressor.
March 13, 2018
This was a fantastic introduction to Che's own words. I wish there had been a bit more context of the timeline of the revolution in Cuba, as I was a bit lost on dates/events a couple times - but overall highly recommended (especially the last two longer essays, Man and Socialism and Vietnam and the World Struggle for Freedom).
October 2, 2025
guerrilla warfare this guerrilla warfare that
when are we gonna get to gorilla warfare
when are we gonna get to gorilla warfare
December 20, 2014
Before I write my review, I would like to say that anyone interested in what Che Guevara (and to a large extent, Fidel Castro) embodies, I would definitely recommend this. However , having knowledge about both Guevara and Castro, along with the factors leading up to the Cuban Revolution and the revolution itself is crucial. You will not fully reap the benefits of this book otherwise. So, with that being said, I recommend "Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life" by Jon Lee Anderson.
I am a great admirer of Che Guevara. When I say that, I mean the real Che Guevara, not the liberal-washed version of Che Guevara. There are many of his works (articles, essays, books) that I have yet to read, but would like to some time in the future. This particular book is a collection of some of his works. It contains essays, speeches, articles, and so on...it is exactly what I was looking for (not completely, of course).
The translations of the essays, I believe, were very spot on and captured the essence of what I believe Guevara was trying to send out to his audience and, more importantly so, to his enemies. This book definitely shows what Guevara stood for as far as economics and government are concerned.
This is a book I would like to have and keep forever, a book to reference, a book I would want my children to read. Thus, I will be purchasing one for myself as I did check the one I read out from the library!
I am a great admirer of Che Guevara. When I say that, I mean the real Che Guevara, not the liberal-washed version of Che Guevara. There are many of his works (articles, essays, books) that I have yet to read, but would like to some time in the future. This particular book is a collection of some of his works. It contains essays, speeches, articles, and so on...it is exactly what I was looking for (not completely, of course).
The translations of the essays, I believe, were very spot on and captured the essence of what I believe Guevara was trying to send out to his audience and, more importantly so, to his enemies. This book definitely shows what Guevara stood for as far as economics and government are concerned.
This is a book I would like to have and keep forever, a book to reference, a book I would want my children to read. Thus, I will be purchasing one for myself as I did check the one I read out from the library!
November 3, 2025
This was the first collection of Che's speeches to appear in English after Che's death. The second edition, published in 2000 newly translated the material.
As Joseph Hansen stated in the 1967 preface (still included): "In selecting the material, the editors have sought to it representative in order to provide a faithful reflection of Che as he was, or better, as he developed."
Since then, Pathfinder Press has published many books of Che's writings. It can also be viewed as a sequel to Malcolm X Speaks.
See Episodes of the Cuban Revolutionary War, 1956-58 and Che Guevara Talks to Young People.
As Joseph Hansen stated in the 1967 preface (still included): "In selecting the material, the editors have sought to it representative in order to provide a faithful reflection of Che as he was, or better, as he developed."
Since then, Pathfinder Press has published many books of Che's writings. It can also be viewed as a sequel to Malcolm X Speaks.
See Episodes of the Cuban Revolutionary War, 1956-58 and Che Guevara Talks to Young People.
November 24, 2012
“A faithful reflection of Che as he was, or, better, as he developed”—from the preface by Joseph Hansen. In twenty speeches, interviews, and letters, Guevara dissects the workings of the imperialist system with scientific clarity, unflinching truthfulness, and biting humor. Cuba has shown by its example, he says, that “a people can liberate themselves and keep themselves free.”
“Throughout the speeches and essays the warmness of the man comes through…. Nor has his death dimmed confidence in his ideas…. This little book is a useful guide in understanding why this has occurred.”—Philip Foner, Hispanic American Historical Review.
“Throughout the speeches and essays the warmness of the man comes through…. Nor has his death dimmed confidence in his ideas…. This little book is a useful guide in understanding why this has occurred.”—Philip Foner, Hispanic American Historical Review.
October 21, 2025
Este libro es un libro de gran importancia. El libro contiene las palabras del Che mismo que pintan una imagen más clara de quien era y que creía. Che Guevara es una persona tan popular y conocido por su imagen y porque era revolucionario, pero lo que no es tan conocido es exactamente su filosofía o su pensamiento. Por eso, este libro es muy importante para los que no saben mucho de él o que quieren saber más. Sin embargo, como muchos han dicho ya, este libro falta el contexto de la revolución cubana y entonces hay que saber algo de la historia de Cuba antes de leerlo para entenderlo totalmente.
November 2, 2015
Know these basic texts by, with and about the Che, and you won't fall for propaganda that wants to denounce him either as a fascist serial killer, or as a new Jesus.
He was a human; He thought things; He talked about things; He did things.
That's all.
He was a human; He thought things; He talked about things; He did things.
That's all.
May 7, 2007
I enjoyed this book a lot! Especially his essay entitled
"Socialism and Man in Cuba." Must read.
"Socialism and Man in Cuba." Must read.
August 19, 2007
Fenomenal! I remember thinking this man may go on for a while, but I wish I had been there when he did.
Read
January 18, 2013One of the best
April 18, 2017
Guevara's eulogy for Camilo is worth the cost of admission alone.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews