Michael Reed, a former Latin American affairs writer at The Economist, shares his insights on the Chilean coup's lasting impact, vividly recounting the tumult of September 11, 1973. Annie Crabel, a news editor for The Economist, discusses a groundbreaking climate lawsuit in Montana aimed at protecting environmental rights. Meanwhile, Catherine Nixey, the Britain correspondent, unpacks the paradoxes of bestsellers—where hits aren't always profitable, and children's books remain timeless. Together, they weave an engaging narrative of history, climate activism, and publishing intrigue.
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Chilean Coup of 1973
On September 11, 1973, the Chilean armed forces overthrew President Salvador Allende.
Allende died by suicide, and General Augusto Pinochet began a 17-year dictatorship.
insights INSIGHT
Factors Leading to the Coup
Allende's socialist policies, coupled with US intervention during the Cold War, destabilized Chile.
His government faced economic struggles, protests, and a lack of parliamentary majority.
insights INSIGHT
Pinochet's Reign and Policies
Pinochet's rule was marked by a reign of terror, with thousands killed, tortured, or exiled.
Contrary to expectations, Pinochet embraced free-market policies, advised by the Chicago Boys.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Eric Carle. The story follows a tiny caterpillar that hatches from an egg and begins eating through various foods each day of the week. After overeating on Saturday, the caterpillar gets a stomachache but feels better after eating a green leaf on Sunday. The caterpillar then builds a cocoon and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. The book incorporates elements of early childhood education, including counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly. It is known for its iconic collage artwork and educational content.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)
The book narrates the journey of an unnamed protagonist, representing the reader, as he leaves town and travels through various landscapes and places. The story includes encounters with successes, setbacks, and places like 'The Waiting Place,' where everyone is waiting for something to happen. The narrative emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability, concluding on a positive note with the protagonist confidently moving forward.
The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown
In 'The Da Vinci Code', Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum in Paris after the murder of the curator, Jacques Saunière. Along with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Langdon embarks on a perilous journey to decipher cryptic clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The plot revolves around an alternative religious history, suggesting that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene had a child, and their descendants are protected by the Priory of Sion. The novel is a blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the astonishing conclusion.
Spare
Marsha May Sumpter
The book details Marsha May Fairchild Sumpter's life, including her marriage which was given a slim chance of survival but endured through commitment and stubbornness. It also paints a detailed picture of her post-Great Depression upbringing on a working ranch in South Dakota.
On September 11th 1973, president Salvador Allende shot himself in the head after being overthrown in a coup, giving rise to the violent rule of General Augusto Pinochet. But citizens are divided on how the leaders ought to be remembered. How a landmark case in Montana could pioneer new climate protection laws (13:09). And, what makes a bestselling book (22:03)?
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