Seven Eventful Years In Paraguay: A Narrative Of Personal Experience Amongst The Paraguayans

by George Frederick Masterman

Seven Eventful Years In A Narrative Of Personal Experience Amongst The Paraguayans by George Frederick Masterman is a first-hand memoir of a British physician who served as Chief Military Apothecary and Lecturer on Materia Medica in Paraguay during the War of the Triple Alliance (Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay against Paraguay). The work weaves a detailed account of his ascent of the Parana River, the geography and social life of Paraguay, and the brutal campaigns led by Francisco Solano Lopez. It covers major battles such as Riáhue, Curupayty, and Ita-Yvaté, the capture and execution of Paraguayan leaders, and the mass suffering and captivity endured by both Paraguayans and foreigners, including his own imprisonment and torture. The narrative also documents political intrigues, the Lynch affair, interactions with foreign agents, and the broader humanitarian and political consequences of the war. As a historical memory and professional witness in medicine, Masterman provides a vivid, critical, and indispensable source on 19th-century Paraguay and the human cost of war.

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2007

Reviews

[Ricardo Loup]

Precioso y sincero, demasiado sincero testimonio de un inglés de pura cepa entrometido en la peor guerra de la historia sudamericana. Ácido al punto de ofender espíritus nacionalistas, pero con una inocencia admirable, un racismo sin tapujos y una manera absolutamente excelsa de transmitir choques de culturas de hace 150 años, notablemente cercanas a nuestros propios días. Un material de primera para quienes gustamos de la historia paraguaya de la guerra y sus prolegómenos. No apto para paraguayos sensibles y acomplejados.