Yo el Supremo (Letras Hispanicas) (Spanish Edition)

Academia de La Lengua Española does a great job publishing classics of the Hispanic Literature in this format. Jewels!

Wow

Muy buen libro.

Love this novel and the quality of this edition's binding.

It's a nice book.

Conversaciones o más bien monólogos interminables llenos de prepotencia, enajenación suposiciones y fantasías surrealistas que mantiene El Supremo con su secretario particular y brazo ejecutor Policarpo Patiño. Noches de insomnios y pesadillas en las que se dedica a diletar sobre la política paraguaya, el aislacionismo autárquico, de sus sueños de reestructuración social del país, de su paternalismo hacia las poblaciones indigenas guaraníes, la imposición de leyes, decretos arbitrarios y ejecuciones por el bien común, sus críticas a toda influencia e injerencia externa tanto europea como iberoamericana en los asuntos internos del país y de su desprecio hacia las libertades civiles de sus conciudadanos que eran visto por el como niños ignorantes y caprichosos merecedores de reprimendas y castigos justificados. Dictador absoluto, cruel y sanguinario hasta su muerte acaecida el 20 de Septiembre de 1840, no dejo de creer en ningún momento que sus decisiones siempre atinadas - según su criterio - iban siempre encaminadas a mejorar la sociedad y la patria sin importarle jamás la opinión de los demás.Biografía, ensayo y novela histórica a la vez basada en la vida, obra, arbitrariedades y desmanes de Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia (1766-1840), hombre que rigió el destino de la República de Paraguay y de sus habitantes de forma dictatorial de 1816 a 1840 aislando al país del resto del mundo con mano dura y sin misericordia, indoctrinando a la población, reprimiendo a la oposición, deseando para si y su país un papel protagonico en el destino de Latinoamerica como buen megalómano que era. Narrativa con un lenguaje riquísimo casi enciclopédico lleno de rimas, juegos de palabras tomando algunas del castellano viejo, del lenguaje indígena guaraní y algunos paraguayismos, con el autor nos da un viaje didáctico sobre la historia del Paraguay desde su independencia hasta la muerte del dictador en 1840 sin omitir el destino incierto de sus restos. Es curioso que a medida que uno va leyendo esta obra sorprenderse a si mismo haciendo comparaciones de dictaduras y dictadores del siglo XX y actuales con el finado Rodríguez de Francia y recordar esa famosa frase, irónica pero muy actual de "los caminos al infierno están empedrados de buenas intenciones" y pensar de cuantos millones de personas han sido sacrificadas en el mundo en aras de una utopía, una ideología o simple capricho personal.

Unlike Roa Basto's HIJO DE HOMBRE in which he weaves an enchanting story about everyday Paraguayan life that was true in some parts, and other parts that could have been true, YO EL SUPREMO is based mostly upon the facts surrounding Jose Gaspar Rodriquez de Francia, Paraguay's first dictator, known as "El Supremo". "El Supremo" often stated and wrote, "all non contemporary history is suspect at best".I suddenly met Roa Bastos at an unexpected clandestine discussion before I knew anything about him. After the meeting, I learned he was in exile and illegally entered the country to meet a grad student who had received a one-year scholarship to study him, Roa Bastos, and his works. Shortly before returning to the United States, like in so many of his novels, he suddenly appeared to talk with the grad student for the first time about his books and writing. He sincerely asked the grad student, "What questions do you have of me? I don't have much time here and must leave immediately!" The grad student was so surprised and taken aback by his sudden unannounced appearance that almost no questions came to mind. At the time, I didn't know him, or anything about him. Yet I remember his passion for researching the true history of this book's title. He said he was so involved in getting the correct information in the book that sometimes he felt he and "El Supremo" were the same.Obviously, this fascinating book about the man who so loved the common Paraguayan people and despised and feared them at the same time provides incredible historical insights. Yet the book is tough reading! Whoa, encyclopedias often seem more prosaic! Sometimes the book's historical dryness and minutia leaves one thirsty for a glass of water, or beer, or three. Yet plowing through those tough parts also reveals gems of insight into the man that shaped Paraguay's future. "El Supremo" was so fearful of outside influence, and trade that might leave the country in debt, those entering the country were prohibited from leaving! He ensured foreigners were treated well, mostly, until they tried to leave upon which he would imprison them. Yet when the American Ambassador/Consul was refused exit of the country a U.S. battle ship was sent up river to Paraguay to gain his release. The battleship was also initially held hostage and only after firing its largest gun was the American's release granted. Foreigners, especially Spanish, were prohibited from marrying those of the same background to avoid the development of a special class of citizens. The church was held under his thumb and he was excommunicated by the Pope for that.If you want incredible insight into Paraguayan history, and the background and life of the person who declared himself "Perpetual Dictator", this book is for you. If you want an entertaining book on Paraguay's people and culture,read HIJO DE HOMBRE de Roa Bastos.

This novel is one of the masterpieces of Latin American narrative, and it is probably the best representative of the sub-genre that has been named "novela del dictador," short of dictator novel, novels whose protagonist are Latin American dictators, real or imaginary. In this particular case, the novel is based on Dr. Francia, the ruler of Paraguay during the first half of the 19th century, a controversial figure who did good things for the country, but was known to be cruel as well. You will need time and patience to read this novel, though: it is complex and not easy reading, but it is worthy every word!

A difficult read but worth the effort. Roa Bastos inhabits the very soul of the 19th Century Paraguayan dictator who is the subject of his novel. In so doing he provides food for thought on the ability of dictators to hold whole nations in thrall. Of interest to aficianados of the historical novel and those who respond to psychological and political elements in fiction.

La opinión no es referente a la obra literaria (aún lo la he leído), sino sobre el libro: buena edición, buena encuadernación y buen tamaño de letra.

Es un libro estupendo. Colma mis expectativas. Si bien entra dentro del genero novela, tiene mucho de un drama histórico como fue la actuación del famoso dictador sudamericano. Definitivamente, recomiendo su lectura.

Llegó sin forro, pero en excelente estado.

En buen estado.