There are few events in the history of Argentina that have been more studied than those of Juan Perón’s dramatic release from prison on October 17, 1945. This is hardly surprising, given the significance of that date to the rise of Peronism and the carefully crafted self-image that Juan and Evita Perón molded over the following years. Any new work on the subject requires particular attention to the existing historiography and a careful articulation of the author’s own position. In his new book, Mariano Ben Plotkin embraces these requirements, expanding on his excellent earlier work while succinctly synthesizing the multiple interpretations of the events of October 17. The result is an interweaving of historical narrative, basic analysis, and historiography that introduces the reader to one of the most controversial movements in Latin American history.
After an introduction that lists the chief questions related to October 17 (Why was it celebrated?...
