Salvador Allende

This is a political biography of one of the 20th century's most emblematic left-wing figures - Salvador Allende, who was president of Chile until he was ousted by General Pinochet in a US-supported coup in 1973.

Victor Figueroa Clark guides us through Allende's life and political project, answering some of the most frequently asked questions. Was he a revolutionary or a reformist? A bureaucrat or inspirational democrat? Figueroa Clark argues that Allende and the Popular Unity Party created a unique fusion which was both revolutionary and democratic.

The process led by Allende was a symbol of hope for the left during his short time in power. Forty years on, and with left governments back in power across Latin America, this book looks back at the man and the process in order to draw vital lessons for the left in Latin America and around the world today.

“"This is a much-needed account of Allende's life, showing the consistency of his political project and arguing persuasively that he was always at heart a revolutionary. Figueroa Clark's study shows the relevance of the Chilean experience to current developments in several Latin American nations which have proclaimed '21st Century Socialism' as their goal." - Diana Raby, Senior Fellow, University of Liverpool "Figueroa-Clark provides an excellent book on a very interesting Latin American political figure that deserves to be recuperated." - Jorge Arrate, economic adviser and Minister for Mining under Salvador Allende”

'A much-needed account of Allende's life, showing the consistency of his political project and arguing persuasively that he was always at heart a revolutionary' -- Diana Raby, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Liverpool
'An excellent book on a very interesting Latin American political figure that deserves to be recuperated' -- Jorge Arrate, Chilean presidential candidate for the left, 2009

Clark ... writes with clarity and breadth about a revolutionary figure, from his last dramatic moments backwards, to unravel an exceptional life. A book that is as moving as enlightening.

The book improves our understanding of the Chilean politics between 1930 and the coup of 1973, by providing a wealth of information and analysis of principal political events of the period.

Well written and thoroughly researched, Salvador Allende: Revolutionary Democrat is an important contribution to a crucial debate and pays due tribute to a great leader of the left.

Victor Figueroa Clark lectures at the London School of Economics and is the editor of the Left History website. His previous works include a history of the Chilean volunteers who fought for the Sandinistas and Salvador Allende (Pluto, 2013).

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