berman@ihlpg.UUCP (Andy Berman) (01/13/86)
Here's a solid reading list for those trying to understand
the conflicts in Central America. I have tried to include
material with a scholarly academic approach as well as
more introductory material. Additionally, since Central
America has a rich and distinct cultural heritage, I have include
some novels and poetry:
EL SALVADOR: CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE NEW COLD WAR - ed. by Marvin
Gettleman et al (Grove Press) -
A collection of documents, both historical and current, from
a very wide range of political perspectives. This is almost
required background material for any serious study of El
Salvador. Gettleman was the editor of a similar collection of
documents about Vietnam that served as the basis for serious debate
about Vietnam in the 60's and 70's.
THE NICARAGUA READER: DOCUMENTS OF A REVOLUTION UNDER FIRE - ed. by
Peter Rosset et al (Grove Press) -
Somewhat similar to the above, but with a focus on Nicaragua.
The documents range from the speeches of R. Reagan to D. Ortega.
Rosset is an Agricultual Engineer from Wisconsin who has worked
for both the US and Nicaraguan Departments of Agriculture
FIRE FROM THE MOUNTAIN: THE MAKING OF A SANDINISTA - Omar Cabezas
(Crown Books) - A well-written candid auto-biographical
account of the very
unromantic life of a guerrilla leader. This book is particulary
well oriented for an American audience and does well to show
the psychological and political orientation of the Sandinistas.
WEAKNESS AND DECEIT - Raymond Bonner (NY Times Books) - The account
by an New York Times reporter of US relations with El Salvador
in the 20th century. Bonner spent extensive time traveling
throughout El Salvador, including the zones controlled by the
rebels. He makes a strong case that US Policy never gave a damn
about democracy or human rights. The "weakness" in the title
is the moral weakness of our policy makers. The "deceit" refers
to their deceit of the American People.
PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS IN GUERILLA WARFARE (The CIA Nicaragua Manual)
(Vintage Books) - The text of the famous Contra manual written by
the Central Intelligence Agency. Short, but not so sweet.
NICARAGUA: THE SANDINIST REVOLUTION (Pathfinder Press) This is a
collection of speeches by Sandinist leaders. It seems almost
a given that one who seeks to judge the Saninistas be familiar
with their speeches and writings.
NICARAGUA FOR BEGINNERS - by Ruiz. A light cartoon-based history
of Nicargua by Mexico's most famous cartoonist.
WITNESS TO WAR - Charles Clements, MD (Bantam Books) - A very
unusual and intense account of a former US Air Force Pilot
who flew combat missions over Vietnam and later went on
to serve as a medical doctor in the rebel zones of El Salvador.
Does an excellent job of showing the life and thinking of
peasants and guerillas in the 40% of El Salvador now under
control of the FDR-FMLN.
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Some novels, literature and poetry:
ONE DAY OF LIFE - by Manlio Argueta (Vintage books/Random House)
A novel tracing a single day in the life of a Salvadoran peasant.
Interesting revelation of the role of the church.
FLIGHTS OF VICTORY - Fr. Ernesto Cardinal (Orbis Books) - a bi-lingual
collection of poems by Nicaragua's famous priest poet and Minister
of Culture
TO BURY OUR FATHERS - Sergio Ramirez (Reader's International) a
complex novel (5 novels in one) of pre-revolutionary Nicaragua.
RISKING A SOMERSAULT IN THE AIR - ed. by Margaret Randall - a very
candid collection of interviews with Nicaraguan writers
CLANTESTINE POEMS - (Solidarity Publications) a bilingual edition
of a collection of 5 Central American poets
THE INSURRECTION - Antonio Skarmeta - My personal favorite; it
traces a complex father/son relationship in Nicaragua at the
time of the 1979 fighting. Made into an award-winning film
that very occassionally is shown in alternate or art theaters
in this country.
Good Reading!
Andy Berman ..ihnp4!ihlpg!berman
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