[The Invention of Argentina] by Nicolas Shumway is a fascinating tale of the history of ideas and conflicts that have resulted in one of the more bizarre democracies in today's world. The tension between the European influence - the Unitarians of Buenos Aires- and the provincial Federalists- is still being played out in the current political climate of the Peronists and their opponents.

Among his references is a fair smattering of great writers who put forth ideas that are still relevent.

This is an essential read for anyone who wants to learn more about how Argentina ended up where it is today. Fascinating. ( )