Author: BRACKENRIDGE, H. M.
Title: Voyage to Buenos Ayres, Performed in the Years 1817 and 1818, by Order of the American Government
Description: London: Printed for Sir Richard Phillips and Co, 1820. First Edition. Modern cloth. Deckle-edged. In a modern cloth binding with new endpapers and paper title label on spine. Slight foxing to title page, last page and some others. Slight wear to spine, covers & corners. ; Henry Marie Brackenridge’s Voyage to Buenos Aires (1820) chronicles his diplomatic mission to South America during Argentina’s struggle for independence. Commissioned by the U. S. Government in 1817, Brackenridge aimed to assess the political stability and economic potential of the newly declared United Provinces of South America. His account provides a vivid portrayal of Buenos Aires as a dynamic hub of revolutionary fervor, blending European cultural influences with burgeoning republican ideals. The book captures the chaotic yet hopeful atmosphere of a society transitioning from colonial rule to self-governance, while documenting the challenges of consolidating independence amidst royalist resistance and regional factionalism. The work stands out for its ethnographic and political observations. Brackenridge details Buenos Aires’ urban life, contrasting its bustling port and cosmopolitan elite with the rural hinterlands dominated by gauchos and Indigenous communities. He analyzes the social hierarchies inherited from Spanish colonialism, critiquing the entrenched privileges of criollo elites and the marginalization of mixed-race populations. His descriptions of revolutionary institutions, such as the Congress of Tucumán (1816) , highlight both the idealism of republican leaders and the fragility of their governance structures. Economically, Brackenridge emphasizes the Río de la Plata region’s untapped potential, advocating for U. S. Trade partnerships to exploit its agricultural and mineral resources. He envisions Buenos Aires as a strategic gateway for American commerce but warns of instability if inequality persists. The book also reflects early U. S. Diplomatic pragmatism, balancing support for Latin American independence with caution toward premature recognition—a stance shaped by geopolitical tensions with Spain and European powers. As a historical document, Voyage to Buenos Aires bridges hemispheric narratives of revolution. Brackenridge frames Argentina’s struggle as an extension of Enlightenment ideals, drawing parallels to the American Revolution while underscoring the unique challenges of postcolonial state-building. His insights informed U. S. Policymakers and merchants, laying groundwork for future engagement. The book remains a vital primary source, capturing the interplay of ambition and uncertainty in an era of transformative change. ; 23.9 x 15 x 1.3 cms; iv, 116 pages. Very Good with no dust jacket .

Keywords: Travel Writing Argentinian Argentine


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