Page:Civilization and barbarism (1868).djvu/18

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Preface.

"Life in the Argentine Republic," was written in Chili, during the author's exile, in order to make known there the policy of Rosas. It found its way to France, and was so favorably received in the "Revue des deux Mondes," that the influence reacted upon his own country, as well as gave to European publicists an explanation of the struggle in the Argentine Republic. A work called "Rosas and the Questions of the La Plata," and many other European publications, were based upon its data and its standpoint. Rosas felt that it gave a mortal blow to his policy, yet during five years of anathemas hurled at the author by the "Gaceta Mercantil," which was his organ, the book was not named. All the author's books were proscribed, but the name of this one carefully suppressed, yet no book was more sought or more read in the Republic. It was handed about secretly, hidden away in drawers, and read at every man's peril.

The "Revue des deux Mondes" says of it: "During his residence in Santiago, which preceded his travels in Europe, Señor Sarmiento published this work full of attraction and novelty, instructive as history, interesting as a romance, brilliant with imagery and coloring. 'Civilization and Barbarism' is not only one of those rare testimonials which come to us of the intellectual life of South America, but it is an invaluable document. Doubtless passion dictated many of its vigor-