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Self Portrait Che Guevara

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A PHOTOGRAPHIC AND LITERARY MEMOIR

At last, Che in his own words, beyond the icon! Discover the personal side of the legendary Che Guevara in this photographic and literary memoir that includes unpublished short stories, letters and poems written to his family, as well as photos from the Guevara family album, showing a surprisingly sensitive and artistic side to a man often seen as a hard-line revolutionary.

Unique among the many books about Che Guevara, this self-portrait reveals his remarkable candor, irony, dry wit, and, above all, his passion.

Edited by prominent Latin American poet and intellectual Victor Casaus, with the assistance of Che’s children and widow (Aleida March).

"Che was the most complete human being of our age."—Jean-Paul Sartre

"This beautiful, enlightening volume humanizes Che." —RAIN TAXI

305 pages, Paperback

First published December 1,2003

This edition

Format
305 pages, Paperback
Published
December 1, 2008 by Ocean Press
ISBN
9781876175825
ASIN
1876175826
Language
English

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About the author

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ernesto che guevara

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Ernesto "Che" Guevara, commonly known as El Che or simply Che, was a Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, intellectual, guerrilla leader, diplomat, and military theorist. A major figure of the Cuban Revolution, since his death Guevara's stylized visage has become an ubiquitous countercultural symbol and global icon within popular culture.

His belief in the necessity of world revolution to advance the interests of the poor prompted his involvement in Guatemala's social reforms under President Jacobo Arbenz, whose eventual CIA-assisted overthrow solidified Guevara's radical ideology. Later, while living in Mexico City, he met Raúl and Fidel Castro, joined their movement, and travelled to Cuba with the intention of overthrowing the U.S.-backed Batista regime. Guevara soon rose to prominence among the insurgents, was promoted to second-in-command, and played a pivotal role in the successful two year guerrilla campaign that topled the Cuban government.

After serving in a number of key roles in the new government, Guevara left Cuba in 1965 to foment revolution abroad, first unsuccessfully in Congo-Kinshasa and later in Bolivia, where he was captured by CIA-assisted Bolivian forces and executed.

Guevara remains both a revered and reviled historical figure, polarized in the collective imagination in a multitude of biographies, memoirs, essays, documentaries, songs, and films. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century, while an Alberto Korda photograph of him entitled "Guerrillero Heroico," was declared "the most famous photograph in the world" by the Maryland Institute of Art.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 8 votes)
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8 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Mo_justexisting
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is an incredibly awesome coffee table book that is truly designed for those with a revolutionary mindset!

The book is filled with a plethora of captivating photos of Che. Not only that, but it also features photos taken by Che himself, providing a unique and personal perspective. Additionally, it includes some of Che's letters and poetry, adding another layer of depth and authenticity to the collection.

What sets this book apart from other books about Che is that it does not attempt to indoctrinate the reader into becoming a communist. Instead, it presents a more comprehensive and objective view of Che, allowing the reader to form their own opinions and interpretations. Whether you are a die-hard Che fan or simply interested in learning more about this iconic figure, this coffee table book is a must-have addition to your collection.
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Saleenseven
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The first 100 pages, which I assume a great deal was drawn from Motorcycle Diaries, were at times a bit challenging to endure due to the unrelenting detail provided about everything Che was observing.

However, as the narrative delved into his travels to Mexico and then on to Cuba to lead the Revolution, it became extremely eye-opening to peruse through the day-to-day notes and witness personal letters and such.

Particularly fascinating was the insight into his ethics and ideological stance, as well as how people had elected to portray him in the media in the past.

This exploration offers a unique perspective on a historical figure who has had a profound impact on the world.

It allows readers to see beyond the myths and legends and gain a more nuanced understanding of the man and his beliefs.

Overall, it is a captivating read that provides valuable insights into an important period of history.
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Sir_Zero_A
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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It is truly interesting to read the words of Che rather than just having people criticize (such as the university professors who prefer to teach their ideological ideas through artists and historical figures rather than seeking the truth). The only problem with the book is that the things written come from the government and library of Cuba, and evidently, those who made the book prefer to make Che a saint and don't want to show his bad and racist side... (Interestingly, the same current of anti-Americanism and anti-capitalism that is very much in vogue in the universities of the United States, where professors receive money to write and speak against the competitive life and the freedom that they consume... the irony never dies, my friends...)


There is a section near the end that I was very interested in... his sometimes profound writings on the literary works of Pablo Neruda and others. Che was truly a "Renaissance Man" and through this book we can see how close all his writings have the air and ambiance of poetry. There are also good photos (particularly a photo of Che and a very young Fidel Castro in Mexico - without a beard and in a guerrilla uniform, and another photo of Che reading a large book by Goethe - ironically, I think it is possible that Ernesto has made the same pact with Mephistopheles as Faust, the best protagonist of Goethe...)


I think this book (in Spanish and also in English for my foreign friends!) is much better than reading a seven-hundred-page biography, and the book has many photos, which is perfect for all the Che fans who always smoke marijuana and listen to Bob Marley....

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HoruDEyorokobi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The photos presented in the book are truly wonderful.

They vividly capture the essence and spirit of the subject matter.

Throughout the book, in addition to these amazing photos, there is also some very interesting and insightful commentary about Che.

This commentary provides a deeper understanding and perspective on Che's life and experiences.

Furthermore, the book includes some of Che's personal letters, poems, and journal writings.

These personal pieces offer a unique glimpse into Che's thoughts, emotions, and inner world.

Together, the photos, commentary, and personal writings make this book a truly comprehensive and engaging exploration of Che's life and legacy.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about this iconic figure.

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Enzeru92
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Self Portrait: Che Guevara
By Ernesto Che Guevara
2004
Ocean Press

This is an oversized book filled with black and white photos, along with a memoir crafted from the letters, diaries, poems, and journalism that Che Guevara left behind in Cuba. Interestingly, some of these materials have never been published before.


I don't necessarily concur with all of his politics or beliefs. In fact, this is often the case. We are all unique individuals, yet equally significant.


What I appreciate about Che Guevara is his life as a revolutionary. His grassroots initiatives were remarkable, and his efforts in publicizing the inequities of lifestyle and income in society were highly commendable.


I am truly enamored by his zest and energy, as well as his captivating brave spirit. His excellent skills of observation and analysis are truly inspiring.


This memoir also includes his political journey through Central America and Mexico. It is based on an issue of the magazine 'Memoria' produced in 1997 that spotlighted Che.


This book is thought-provoking. At times, it can be challenging to read, but it is really well done, offering great insights into the revolutionary Che Guevara.
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Zoku_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A book designed as a "coffee table book" makes it more readable and interesting. Reading about the path Ernesto Guvera took before becoming "Che", his diaries and letters, allows us to see him from a more human perspective. Especially the notes he took in his diary while traveling through Latin America are very literary and engaging. It can be seen that in the spirit of the times, intellectual knowledge was valued among the educated segments of society, and there was a knowledge gap. The inclusion of photographs directly taken by Guevara in the book enables us to perceive the era and the environment from his point of view. We witness Latin America, which was politically and socially boiling in the 1950s and 1960s.

The second part of the book presents the complete politicization and the emergence of a sharp revolutionary of an eclectic reader, writer, traveler, and doctor Guevara. Guevara, who joined the M26/7 movement in Cuba, supports the movement along a Marxist and Leninist line. We witness that Ernesto has now become "Commandante Che" during the struggle he showed for Cuba. While the struggle continues in harsh conditions in the mountainous Sierra Maestra region, which is an extremely poor and deprived region of Cuba, he also dedicates himself to the creation of the "hombre nuevo" (new man) in his own mind. As the years pass, "Che" materializes the idea that the liberation of the peoples of Latin America, which he traveled in his youth and was divided by artificial borders and very similar to each other, must be continuously struggled against American imperialism. Che, who put forward the "Foco" theory, does not hesitate to take action to prove this. From this point of view, we understand how realistic Jean Paul Sartre's comment is that "the complete man of our age" and "Che is the most complete man of our age, not only a theorist but also a warrior who applies these theories in the field". Che is killed while struggling to turn the Andean Mountains into a huge Sierra Maestra against American imperialism for a United Greater Latin America. Even in the parts of the book where sections from the Bolivian diaries are quoted, it is extremely surprising that he does not lose his optimism despite the terrible conditions. The discovery of his body, which was lost by the Bolivian army, 30 years later, elevates him to the level of a "messiah" in the social memory. The book is a very good comprehensive compilation for those who are curious about the life story of the "Che Myth" and will have a hard time believing its path and reality. With its structure that satisfies the reader, it offers a different perspective to those interested in the subject.
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Sapphire-san
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is Che portraying himself.

He is a complex and multi-faceted individual. With a determined look in his eyes, he seems to be ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. His posture exudes confidence and self-assurance.

Che is not one to shy away from the spotlight. He presents himself with a certain charm and charisma that draws people to him. Whether it's his smile or his way of speaking, there is something about him that makes him stand out.

However, there is also a depth to Che that goes beyond his outward appearance. He has a rich inner life and a set of values that guide his actions. He is passionate about the things he believes in and is willing to fight for them.

In conclusion, Che is a unique and interesting person, and his self-portrayal gives us a glimpse into his world.
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Phloup
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I really loved this book. I have read other books about Che, and this one is not a must-read, but it is full of photos that humanized him for me.

The photos in this book provide a unique perspective on Che. They show him in different situations, with different expressions and emotions. Through these photos, I was able to see a more human side of him, rather than just the iconic revolutionary figure that we often see in history books.

The book also contains some interesting anecdotes and stories about Che's life. These added to my understanding of him as a person and made me appreciate his ideals and beliefs even more.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Che Guevara. While it may not be the most comprehensive or in-depth book on the subject, it does offer a unique and interesting perspective that is well worth reading.
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