Heroes on Horseback: A Life and Times of the Last Gaucho Caudillos

For those who like history it's a very interesting book. Tells a lot about history and culture of South Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

In "Heroes on Horseback," John Charles Chasteen varies his narrative by alternating chapters following the story of two Brazilian caudillos with those examining the political environment of the Uruguay-Brazil borderland in the late 19th century. While a little slow in parts, it does explore the conceptions of identities among those in the borderland, particularly for the numerous Brazilian immigrants living in Uruguay. It also provides a closer look at the lives of two brothers, Gumercindo and Aparicio Saravia, as they lead their milita in hopes of bringing revolution to Brazil. Most interesting, however, is Chasteen's inquiry into the phenomenon of caudillismo itself and how the charisma of the leaders inspired the borderland residents to enlist their support. Overall, a worthwhile look at a unique area of Latin American political history.