Review of “History of Losers” by Luis E. Íñigo Fernández – Archives of History | Your disclosure page

The life stories of those we call the forgotten (or the losers) live hidden in the corners of history. It is nothing new that history exalts some and condemns others to darkness, but what happened to those forgotten? Do they not deserve, perhaps, to have a place in the historical narrative? Today we talk about History of the losers. From Neanderthals to victims of globalization, an essay by Luis E. Íñigo, edited in Spain by Espasa.

Throughout the chapters that make up the book, the reality that is hidden behind the different stages of history is discovered. The premise is undeniably interesting. Through a clear and accurate narrative, the work we are commenting on aims to shed the necessary light to make visible those who have been ignored by history. Has such an ambitious goal been met? Next, we break down the strengths (and weaknesses, if any) of this work.

Data sheet

Our opinion of “History of the losers”

As soon as we open the book we are hungry to meet those who have been marginalized. Not only does the introduction make the reader hungry for knowledge, but the good taste of the edition arouses anyone’s curiosity. With a strong image on the front cover and an attractive synopsis on the back cover we prepare to get down to business.

The work stands out for its narrative simplicity, the clarity with which Fernández exposes the facts is especially magnetic for the general public. This quality, so commendable considering the extensive bibliography used, makes the work ideal for dissemination, since as the reading progresses, a panoramic view of the situation of the protagonists is obtained.

The work is also interesting in the eyes of a reader versed in the historical matter. Those of us who dedicate ourselves to this know firsthand that the margins of history often hide the most valuable treasures. Therefore, this work does not leave us indifferent. Although the introductions of the chapters are already familiar to an experienced reader in History, Fernández aligns the most basic explanations with more specific data, either on historical figures or on his own reflections, which is very accurate when it comes to hooking readers. more demanding readers.

The end point of this review is marked as it could not be otherwise by a brief analysis of the content. The body of this work is made up of 20 chapters through which the reader takes a historical journey from the Neanderthals and the Egyptian peasants to current problems such as globalization or the discrimination suffered by women.

We do not mean with these that the discrimination of women, homosexuals and other social groups is a thing only of the present. It is to be commended that the author has taken this issue into account and addresses the repression and marginalization of different social groups going back to other times.

We must also mention those forgotten that remain between such a wide chronological space. Thus, Fernández has granted his deserved place in history to the Roman slaves, the barbarians, the Jews, the Templars, the witches, the native Americans, the counter-enlightened, the workers, the colonial peoples, or the elderly. Making his work one of the most complete compilations.

So do we recommend it?

Under the premise that the defense of disclosure is our maxim at Archivos de la Historia, we cannot recommend this work more highly. In short, it is entertaining, enjoyable and easy to read. What more do you need to convince you? No decorations or unnecessary script twists. It cannot be missing from your shelves.