This newest of the many books of Gandía strikes the same chords as his other ones. He forcefully elaborates his thesis that the only valid reason for the Wars of Independence in Spanish America was the Napoleonic invasion and the subsequent events in Spain. Although I agree generally with Gandía I feel less belligerent towards other theses. I also realize that there are those who will not have anything to do with Gandía’s book.
This study is welcome since it condenses his ideas into a single volume and it is basic for anyone studying the Wars of Independence—to ignore it would be regrettable. Special attention should be given to the thirty-two-page introduction, which is a splendid but biased, evaluation of the key work by the Congreso Hispano-Americano de Historia, Causas y carácteres de la independencia hispanoamericana (Madrid, 1953).
As in other Gandía books there is a lack of good editing—repetition of ideas is continual; the whole study could be cut in half. There is a lack of organization. There are no notes or bibliography. Gandía is unaware of the great amount of work published in the United States and Europe (including England and excluding Spain) dealing with the Wars of Independence. But his style is good, and his hard-hitting statements are indeed refreshing. He must be read and debated. This book makes him more controversial than ever. Finally, his love for his hero, Martín de Alzaga, is still there.
