Jose Marti

Mentor of the Cuban Revolution

John M. Kirk

In 1953, Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro stated that the “intellectual author” of his revolution was the nineteenth-century writer and revolutionary José Martí. An advocate of social justice, economic democracy and anti-imperialism, Martí wrote extensively about the future of a “Cuba libre,” freed from Spain’s rule, and is celebrated as one of Latin America’s most important thinkers. Based on a detailed analysis of the twenty-five volumes of his complete works, José Martí studies the nature of this Cuban writer/revolutionary and examines the depth and breadth of Martí’s thought on society, economics, politics and morality. This book also investigates the uses and abuses of Martí as a political symbol by those who claim to espouse his ideas. In this insightful, balanced analysis, John M. Kirk argues that Martí’s political thought was remarkably advanced — and still holds tremendous relevance for the modern era.

“Kirk has crafted a balanced study, careful in its exposition and judicious in its conclusion. The Martí that emerges from Kirk’s study is Martí the revolutionary, devoted to social justice, committed to economic democracy, a passionate internationalist, and an outspoken anti-imperialist.” 

— Louis A. Pérez Jr., J. Carlyle Sitterson Professor of History and the Director the Institute for the Study of the Americas, University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)  

Contents

The Importance of Martí in Cuba • Origins of a Political Career • Evolution of Sociopolitical Thought • Political System • Moral Foundation • Social Structure • Economic Politics • Conclusion • References • Index

About the Author

JOHN M. KIRK is professor of Latin American studies at Dalhousie University.