An authoritative portrait of the Latin-American warrior-statesman draws on a wealth of primary documents to set his life against a backdrop of the explosive tensions of 19th-century South America, providing coverage of such topics as his role in the 1813 campaign for Colombian and Venezuelan independence, his legendary love affairs and his achievements as a strategist, abolitionist and diplomat.

The road to Bogotá -- Rites of passage -- The innocent abroad -- Building a revolution -- The rise and fall of Miranda -- Glimpses of glory -- The legions of Hell -- A revolution struggles to life -- The hard way west -- The way to glory -- The chosen son -- Under the volcanoes -- In the empire of the sun -- The equilibrium of the universe -- Era of blunders -- Man of difficulties -- Plowing the sea -- The general in his labyrinth.