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The Motorcycle Diaries
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The Motorcycle Diaries is Che Guevara's diary of his journey to discover the continent of Latin America while still a medical student, setting out in 1952 on a vintage Norton motorcycle together with his friend Alberto Granado, a biochemist.
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Description
An iconic bestseller, The Motorcycle Diaries is Che Guevara's account of his youthful adventures travelling around South America on his motorcycle.
"All we could see was the dust on the road ahead and ourselves on the bike, devouring kilometres in our flight northward"
In late 1951, Guevara and Alberto Granado set off on the 500cc Norton they nicknamed La Poderosa ('The Powerful One') with no other agenda than a lust for life and a desire to see it all. The Motorcycle Diaries offer a unique perspective on what led this would-be doctor from relatively affluent Argentina to become one of the 20th century's most important political figures... genuinely exhilarating. – Guardian
For every comic escapade of the carefree roustabout, there is an equally eye-opening moment in the development of the future revolutionary leader. By the end of the journey, a politicised Guevara has emerged to predict his own legendary future. – Time
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Motorcycle Diaries is celebrated for its blend of comic adventures and profound introspection reflecting Che Guevara's transformation from carefree traveller to politically inspired leader. It captures a sense of nobility and rebellion, drawing parallels to iconic figures like James Dean and Jack Kerouac, offering inspiration to both revolutionaries and those simply yearning for freedom.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241465103
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 29 July 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Translated by Che Guevara Studies Center
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 10.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 199.0mm
Weight: 137g
Pages: 176
About the Author
Ernesto Che Guevara was born into a middle-class family in Argentina in 1928 and trained as a doctor, but became radicalized by the poverty and hunger he witnessed in South America. He played a key role in the Cuban revolution and served in Fidel Castro's government. He then travelled to Congo to support the rebellion there, and finally to Bolivia, where with a small, committed group he initiated a revolutionary movement and was captured and executed by Bolivian and US military forces in 1967.
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