Description
Zafira
Book Summary
This work gathers the fundamental writings of José Antonio Saco, one of the most influential Cuban intellectuals of the 19th century. The reader will find a profound analysis of the history of slavery in Cuba, along with studies on the island's economy, politics, education, and society. This is an essential collection for understanding the critical and reformist thought that shaped public debate in colonial Cuba.
What is it about?
The volume compiles the most prominent texts by José Antonio Saco, including his famous "History of Slavery" (1837), where he examines the origin, development, and consequences of slavery in Cuba, as well as its impact on the economy and politics of the era. Also included is the "Collection of Scientific, Historical, Political and Other Papers on the Island of Cuba," a series of essays addressing everything from history to economy and society. Furthermore, the work includes the "Statistics of the Island of Cuba" (1842), a detailed demographic and economic study, and "Public Instruction on the Island of Cuba" (1849), an essay that analyzes the state of education and proposes reforms for its improvement. Altogether, the work offers a comprehensive vision of 19th-century Cuban reality from the perspective of an intellectual committed to progress and the abolition of slavery.
Main Themes
- History of slavery in Cuba: origin, economic, social, and political development, and its impact on the abolitionist debate.
- Analysis of 19th-century Cuban economy, politics, and society through various essays and studies.
- Historical statistics of Cuba: detailed data on population, agriculture, commerce, and other socioeconomic aspects.
- Educational reform and the importance of public instruction as a foundation for social progress.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is intended for students, researchers, and academics interested in the history of Cuba, Caribbean history, slavery, 19th-century political thought, and abolition studies. It is also of great value to readers passionate about intellectual history and primary sources of Cuban reformist thought.
What this book offers
- Direct access to the key works of José Antonio Saco, a central figure in Cuban historiography and public debate.
- Deep understanding of the historical, economic, and social roots of slavery in Cuba.
- A documented and critical perspective on the reality of the island in the 19th century, including statistical data from the period.
- Keys to understanding the debates on abolition, education, and progress in colonial Cuba.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Saco, José Antonio
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Classic texts, plays, theatrical texts
- Collection: Theater
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication Date: February 2008
- Number of pages: 100
- Weight: 100 g
Editorial Review
This edition from Linkgua Ediciones offers a representative selection of José Antonio Saco's work, facilitating access to a fundamental thinker for the history of Cuba. Although the volume is brief, its content is dense and relevant, especially for those seeking primary sources on slavery and 19th-century Cuban society. It is a useful tool both for academic study and for the reader interested in the intellectual legacy of the era.