"Contains translations of a broad selection of poetry, essays, and speeches illustrating richness and complexity of Bello's thought as a key intellectual figure in the construction of a new political order in postindependence Latin America. Extracted from Obras completas (see HLAS 48:5125), most selections are unabridged. Eloquent yet accessible translations. Jaksić's essay analyzes Bello's blueprint for nation-building, language, education, history, and law, and includes notes and chronology. Highly recommended for the classroom and the general reader"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.