Latin American history—the stuff of wars; elections; conquests; inventions; colonization; and all those other events and processes attributed to adults—has also been lived and partially forged by children. Taking a fresh look at Latin American and Caribbean society over the course of more than half a millennium; this book explores how the omission of children from the region's historiography may in fact be no small matter. Children currently make up one-third of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean; and over the centuries they have worked; played; worshipped; committed crimes; and fought and suffered in wars. Regarded as more promising converts to the Christian faith than adults; children were vital in European efforts to invent loyal subjects during the colonial era. In the contemporary economies of Latin America and the Caribbean—where 23 percent of people live on a dollar per day or less—the labor of children may spell the difference between survival and starvation for millions of households. Minor Omissions brings together scholars of history; anthropology; religion; and art history as well as a talented young author who has lived in the streets of a Brazilian city since the age of nine. The book closes with the prophetic dystopian tale "The Children's Rebellion" by the noted Uruguayan writer Cristina Peri Rossi.
#893780 in Books 2005-02-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.50 x 1.25l; #File Name: 0297846728352 pages
Review
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Serviceable work describing Napoleon's last major victoryBy Steven PetersonThis is a serviceable version of Napoleon's last major victory--at Wagram; as he defeated the Austrian Army under Archduke Charles. The battle was a monster of its kind; with a huge number of soldiers involved. 300;000 troops fought over a 2 day period; there were about 72;000 casualties (killed; wounded; missing; prisoners); with each side suffering about equally. As the book concludes: "The year after Wagram; Napoleon still looked unbeatable; but Wagram was to be his last decisive victory; the last to break the enemy's will to resist."The book itself traces the Wagram campaign from its early origins. It describes how Napoleon created an army by shuffling a variety of units; some scattered hither and yon. It also describes the Austrian forces; under the leadership of Archduke Charles.The maneuvering before the battles itself is described. Indeed; the lead up to Wagram was most propitious for the Austrian forces. In a battle at Aspern-Essling; Charles managed to bloody the French and experience a tactical victory. Unhappily for the Austrians; however; they did very little (such as fortification) after their modest victory. On the other hand; Napoleon redoubled his labors; brought some additional forces onto the field; and developed a typically ambitious plan of action.At the last instant; Charles decided that he must also show some initiative. Thus; both armies planned to attack the other at about the same time. However; the French generals were better; Napoleon hit his stride during the battle at Wagram; and the end result was a fairly convincing French victory. It was not Austerlitz; but it was a substantial win.Some useful features of the book: there are some decent maps at the beginning (while they could be better; they are serviceable); there is a nice section with short biographies of the major figures; the "order of battle" provides detailed information on the structure and leadership of the armies. The writing is not elegant; but it is serviceable. For a brief description of Napoleon's last big victory; this will serve.A final brief comment. The author died before this book was published; always a sad event.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Lived to fightBy CustomerSo-so book about one of Napoleon's last victories.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Bruce SwansonRothenberg is a master on Napoleon; and this is a hard to find book for Napoleonic enthusiastics!
