This edited collection of documents and secondary sources is an admittedly nationalistic vindication of the first great dictator of Paraguay. Compiled from archival sources in Paraguay and Buenos Aires, and from contemporary accounts by both enemies and supporters—Paraguayans and foreigners—the editor proclaims Paraguay’s debt to Doctor José Gaspar de Francia as that figure guided the new nation through the troubled early 1800s. A multitude of topics is presented: the dictator’s early life; Paraguayan society before, during, and after independence; Francia’s views on government, society, culture, foreign relations, trade and the Church; and his enemies’ reactions to his rise and governance of Paraguay. While the selections and commentary place Francia in the best light, contemporary criticism of the dictator is included, but in a manner which sustains the contention that Doctor Francia has been poorly treated by history.
The comprehensive introduction, the work’s inclusiveness, and the editor’s perceptive commentary upon the sources are valuable. But this study is completely partisan and excessively laudatory of Francia. At the same time, aware of the bias of the editor, a reader will find this collection a useful, documentary view of the dictator’s life and actions. A general chronological order to the selections exists but unfortunately this study is flawed by the editor’s omission of archival locations of documents employed. This failure is all the more distressing as it is evident that Vázquez has a wide knowledge of sources. Even with that omission and the imbalance of the work, it is of interest and use to Paraguayan historians and particularly those concerned with the age of Doctor Francia.
