BEGGARS ON GOLDEN STOOLS

by Peter Schmid ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 27, 1956

A Report on Latin America by Mr. Schmid, who is a Swiss journalist, this is a jauntily written newsman's eyeview that dips and sweeps into enough aspects of Latin life to keep a wide variety of readers interested. Up to date and openly objective, the accounts read sometimes like a travelogue, sometimes like more serious political analyses. For example, the first and longest chapter- on Mexico- begins with a description of a murder committed in a well filled bus and then continues with Communism, art, a New Year's Eve celebration, and so forth. There is a creditable passage on Peruvian politics and the shifts in government during the past two decades that tyuify so much of the lawlessness and disorganization in South America. Throughout, one detects a boyish enthusiasm or at least the spirit of a feature writer rather than carefully considered opinion. But where Mr. Schmid tends to rush ahead in his interpretations and to quickly dig up basic sociological reasons for all the quirks of character, his writing is colorful and often perceptive. An entertaining book anyone interested in South America should enjoy reading.

Pub Date: Sept. 27, 1956

ISBN: 0548440891

Page Count: -

Publisher: Preeger

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1956

Categories: NONFICTION