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3rd out of 19 books
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17 voters
Guerrilla Warfare
Che Guevara, the larger-than-life hero of the 1959 revolutionary victory that overturned the Cuban dictatorship, believed that revolution would also topple the imperialist governments in Latin America. Che's call to action, his proclamation of _invincibility_-the ultimate victory of revolutionary forces-continues to influence the course of Latin American history and intern
...morePaperback, 440 pages
Published
June 1st 1985
by University of Nebraska Press
(first published 1960)
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As out of date as this book is, it is still of use for a historical and psychological look at the tactics of the guerrilla warrior.
Che's basic principles are simple - any guerrilla force, if properly trained and motivated and with popular support, can overthrow an unpopular repressive government and replace it with one which represents the popular will. Che's record was 1 for 3. Cuba being an unequivocal success, with the Congo less so, and Bolivia ending in his own death.
Some of his principles...more
Che's basic principles are simple - any guerrilla force, if properly trained and motivated and with popular support, can overthrow an unpopular repressive government and replace it with one which represents the popular will. Che's record was 1 for 3. Cuba being an unequivocal success, with the Congo less so, and Bolivia ending in his own death.
Some of his principles...more
Oct 16, 2011
sologdin
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
leftwing-theory,
military
Similar to Mao's treatise on guerrilla warfare, this one provides more pragmatic considerations than something like Sun Tzu (but, then again, there's nothing quite like Master Sun).
This text includes a somewhat sympathetic introductory essay by a guy who advances a lukewarm critique of Guevara's foco theory of warfare, which is discredited by the mere fact of Guevara's death while enacting same in Bolivia. Fair enough.
The text itself of the *Guerrilla Warfare* is likewise accompanied by two essa...more
This text includes a somewhat sympathetic introductory essay by a guy who advances a lukewarm critique of Guevara's foco theory of warfare, which is discredited by the mere fact of Guevara's death while enacting same in Bolivia. Fair enough.
The text itself of the *Guerrilla Warfare* is likewise accompanied by two essa...more
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Worth reading, to dispel the myth from reality. Turns out Che was a purist of sorts, but didn't follow his own advice.
On one hand, he did not thrive on violence; he fomented revolution, but did seek to minimize killing.
- opposed to terrorism (rarely proportional benefit for the costs incurred), but a great proponent of sabotage. Primary target: communications, and lines of communication. Two categories: National- must be strategic target, and only at the right time. Other category was more tacti...more
On one hand, he did not thrive on violence; he fomented revolution, but did seek to minimize killing.
- opposed to terrorism (rarely proportional benefit for the costs incurred), but a great proponent of sabotage. Primary target: communications, and lines of communication. Two categories: National- must be strategic target, and only at the right time. Other category was more tacti...more
Those with an academic interest in guerrilla warfare or Latin American history would do well to seek out the Loveman-Davies edition of this book. It includes not only the original (English-translated) text of "Guerrilla Warfare," but also two later essays that show Guevara's progression from an essentially "people's war" theorist to his better-known theory of "foco" (small-unit) guerrilla warfare.
But the real value of this edition lies with the numerous case studies that Loveman & Davies hav...more
But the real value of this edition lies with the numerous case studies that Loveman & Davies hav...more
Many college kids have the classic image of Che Guevara either posted on their wall or t-shirt as a symbol of revolution and non-conformism, but few really know much about him. This book is his 1960 detailing of how to fight a populist guerrilla war against a powerful government. I got it while I was in Army basic training from the PX and my drill sergeants almost flipped out when the found it in my locker. It's more useful as an understanding of this type of warfare, than a how-to, though if yo...more
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Guerrilla Warfare is sure to be a very handy primer for rural (as opposed to urban) guerrillas, but, for the rest of us, it is nothing more than a highly readable primary source on rural revolutionary tactics and strategy. Readers who are interested in Che's personal take on the Cuban Revolution should instead look for a copy of Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War, and those who are interested in the life of Che himself should pick up one of Che's more reputable biographies, be it Jon L...more
Read during my early teenage revolutionary days, and largely what put an end to them -- it became clear that revolution was a dirty, cold business most unlike a video game, largely the interest of people I'd likely despise and be despised by. I couldn't agree more with another reviewer -- this book is more of a historical relic than any relevant manual. I'd add, though, that it's important insight into the tumult of revolutionary Central and South America from the 50's through the 70's, and perh...more
Che Guevara, the larger-than-life hero of the 1959 revolutionary victory that overturned the Cuban dictatorship, believed that revolution would also topple the imperialist governments in Latin America. Che's call to action, his proclamation of _invincibility_-the ultimate victory of revolutionary forces-continues to influence the course of Latin American history and international relations. His amazing life story has lifted him to almost legendary status.
This edition of Che's classic work Guerri...more
This edition of Che's classic work Guerri...more
An easy read which covers mainly tactical details of a guerrilla operations, and also touches more strategic considerations like logistics, propaganda, organisation, etc. Obviously, it draws heavily on his Cuban experience to provide a template for such operations and how a guerrilla army adapts to expand as territory is gained and the nature of warfare changes. I find many parallels with what insurgency forces and radical terrorists are trying to achieve.
Though dated (and in many ways discredited by historical events following its publication following the Cuban Revolution), Guerilla Warefare offers some interesting insight into the way in which Che's mind works--strict, opininated and (on occassion) wrong thinking. A worthy tome with whcih to gain understanding of how Che determined for himself the best manner in which to exact change in a world he increasingly felt a lack of connection to.
The first part was interesting, giving Che's take on how to fight a guerrilla war. Admittedly they got it right in Cuba, but weren't so successful in Congo or Bolivia. The rest of it though, giving the histories of the Latin American transitions from revolution to democracies counld have been more interesting, told in a very dry way. Full marks for reference, less so for entertainment, depends what you're reading the book for.
One part pop-culture Marxism, one part "Ranger Rick's Tips, Tricks, and Info." The most ham-handed, junior varsity version of how to conduct guerrilla warfare ever. The only reason these guys won in Cuba was the singular incompetence of Fulgencio Batista. As Che would find out the hard way, the Foco was not a universal method. It also violated the Maoist method, which might be universal. In the end, by applying the methods herein, Che was hunted down and killed by the weakest state in South Amer...more
Che Guevara is great, and this book does offer insight into the mind of the communist revolutionary. This is good to read if you aren't familiar with the Cuban revolution and are swayed by the bullshit floating around the US airways (such as calling Che a "terrorist," even though strategically they were recruiting the villagers that the Cuban military was terrorizing).
However, this book really could have used a ghost writer. It's repetitive (the phrase "avoid encirclement" must be used 100 times...more
However, this book really could have used a ghost writer. It's repetitive (the phrase "avoid encirclement" must be used 100 times...more
Another revolutionary not from the ranks of the people he claimed to represent. Still, this was a generally well-written book and I can easily see why he was able to capture the imaginations of so many people with his writing. The book has some tid-bits of practical advice for the would-be revolutionary but is largely a superficial, almost romantic, treatment of guerrilla warfare.
Che's manual on guerrilla warfare is more of a historical relic than a pragmatic or philosophical work at this point. The book was written for a very specific purpose, which has little bearing on the situation in the US right now.
Nevertheless there are some interesting concepts and strategic lessons here.
For example, the "seven golden rules" could be applied creatively and nonviolently in many situations:
1. Do not engage in a fight that cannot be won.
2. Move continuously, hit and run.
3. Use the...more
Nevertheless there are some interesting concepts and strategic lessons here.
For example, the "seven golden rules" could be applied creatively and nonviolently in many situations:
1. Do not engage in a fight that cannot be won.
2. Move continuously, hit and run.
3. Use the...more
Jul 24, 2012
Daniel
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2012,
history-politics-nf
Very nonplussed. I don't know why I went into this thinking there would be more, but it was just the same old marxism with more violent rhetoric and in simpler form. Reinforces the thought that Che wasn't really the brightest guy, but was able to bring more abstract thoughts down to the common man's level.
Although describing the situation regarding guerilla warfare on an island nations, and using Che's idea of focism, Guerilla Warfare is a useful tool for anyone interested in overthrowing a government. Combining tactics in combat as well as civilian duties and the organization of fighting forces, for someone who was unaware of how a revolution could be fought (and it will), Che's writings were both inspiring and intellectual at the same time.
To read this book is to put yourself into the battlefield with the most celebrated revolutionario since George Washington. It is a gripping book that will show you how a proper revolution is started, fought, and how it is accomplished. Viva Che!! Viva la revolucion!!
Good explanations by che. Telling everything you need in the jungle, how to survive, the tactics and strategies in the mountainious and opened road terrains. Describes what does a guirrilla band need to do in making revolution and to overthrow the oppresion forces.
Its okay read and could be a good example for someone who will attempt Guerilla warfare in this modern age,that i doubt will go far with new found technology.I loved reading about the discipline and Che's insight into how they planned the overthrow of the government.
Pretty much the way to do it. It is a straight forward textbook. As far as I can tell, not being an expert or a soldier, the only "improvements" to be made involve either being nastier and/or using more psychological warfare.
In this book Che just breaks down how a guerilla warfare functions with the whole hit and run tactics. Gives you some insight into how well organized some of the Latin American revolutions have been. Che was a mastermind when it came to this type of warfare tactic.
"If u know urself n ur enemy really well, u can fight a 100 wars without ever losing."
I never thought dat a buk explaining d tactics of Guerilla Warfare cud b such an easy read. Ernesto Che Guevara was a man far ahead of his times.
I never thought dat a buk explaining d tactics of Guerilla Warfare cud b such an easy read. Ernesto Che Guevara was a man far ahead of his times.
Great ideas now unfortunately dated but useful....Ulimately the CIA would use it to hunt Che down and kill him....Facing his death he told the guard, "Go ahead you are only killing a man"...
With the popular support of the people it is possible to launch a successful armed struggle against and oppressive government--and this is the handbook you will need to succeed.
an interesting historical document to give insight into the cuban revolutionary plight, but really hard to read, atleast in the translated version, and certainly not something that makes for fun reading.
Good antidote for those seduced by the "true revolutionary is guided by feelings of love" line; this is Che the Executioner.
Do you know... I can make a molitive cocktail launch from my AR-15? Yep, all because of this little gem. Books like these keep the government honest.
Brief book on guerrilla warfare for beginners, based mostly on the experiences of the '59 Cuban revolution. Very easy to read.
Jun 08, 2013
Hasmin Sherwin
is currently reading it
me gusta que Che usa ejemplos especificos (e.g. un soldado caminando por la noche puede tener 25 kg por carga).
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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 adva...more
More about Ernesto Guevara...
His belief in the necessity of world revolution to adva...more
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