eBooks de Biografías y estudios de escritores, página 8 de 179

The Origin of Ferrero and Family CultureThe story of Ferrero begins in 1946, when Pietro Ferrero, a small confectioner from Alba, in the Piedmont region of Italy, decided to turn his passion for sweets into a business. What started as a small family bakery soon became one of the largest food empires in the world. However, what sets Ferrero apart from other multinational companies is its strong family culture, which permeates all of its decisions, from product creation to its market strategy.Pietro Ferrero was born into a humble family and grew up in the midst of local agriculture. His initial vision was to create affordable products that could be consumed daily by Italian families. During the post-World War II years, when food shortages were a reality, he realized that cocoa was expensive and difficult to obtain. It was then that he created " Giandujot ", a paste made with cocoa and hazelnuts, ingredients abundant in the Piedmont region. This innovative product was the precursor to Nutella, which would be launched decades later.After Pietros death in 1949, his son Michele Ferrero took over the leadership of the company. Michele was only 24 years old, but he brought with him an ambitious vision and entrepreneurial mindset that would shape the future of Ferrero. He not only expanded the family business, but also introduced a unique approach to corporate management: keeping the company under family control while ensuring that family values were preserved.Michele Ferrero was a visionary. He believed that products should be made with love, as if they were intended for the family members themselves. This philosophy is rooted in Italian culture, where the concept of family is sacred. For Michele, the quality of the ingredients and customer satisfaction were top priorities. He used to say: "If you want to do something well, do it as if you were doing it for your own home."This mindset was directly reflected in Ferreros products. For example, the Kinder Egg, launched in 1974, was designed with children and their parents in mind. The idea was to create something that would be fun and safe for children, but also appealing to adults. The chocolate egg with a surprise toy inside became a global phenomenon, demonstrating how Ferreros family culture influenced product innovation.Furthermore, Ferrero has always maintained a strict policy of secrecy. Unlike many modern companies that seek constant publicity, Ferrero prefers to keep its operations low-key. This is also a family legacy: Michele Ferrero believed that a companys success should be measured by the quality of its products, not by the number of advertisements or advertising campaigns. This low-key approach has helped to build an image of trust and authenticity around the brand.Another important aspect of Ferreros family culture is its resistance to the pressure to go public on the stock exchange. While many family-owned companies choose to sell shares to finance their growth, Ferrero remains firmly in family hands. Today, the company is controlled by Giovanni Ferrero, Pietros grandson and Micheles son. Giovanni continues to honor the principles established by his ancestors by keeping the company private and focused on the long term...

The Origin of LOréal and Its Journey to Global DominanceLOréal is without a doubt the largest and most influential cosmetics company in the world. With a portfolio that ranges from affordable products to luxury brands, the French giant has established itself as an industry leader through strategies that combine science, innovation and consumer psychology. To understand how LOreal achieved this level of supremacy, it is essential to analyze its origins and the factors that shaped its journey to global dominance.1.1 The Roots of LOreal: A Revolution in BeautyThe history of LOreal begins in 1909 with Eugene Schueller , a French chemist who developed an innovative formula for hair dye. At the time, hair coloring was a rudimentary and dangerous process, with products that damaged the hair and caused adverse reactions. Schueller created a less aggressive and more efficient formula, laying the foundation for what would become a beauty empire.What set LOreal apart from the start was its commitment to science. Unlike other brands that were just following fads, Schueller placed research and development at the heart of the companys growth. This scientific approach quickly became the brands signature and remains a key factor in its success to this day.1.2 Expansion and Innovative StrategiesOver the decades, LOreal has expanded beyond hair color to include skincare, makeup and personal care products. The companys rapid growth was fueled by strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Lancome in 1964 and Maybelline in 1996. These acquisitions have allowed LOreal to position itself in both the luxury and affordable beauty markets, reaching a wide range of consumers.The company has also been able to exploit advances in technology and cosmetic chemistry. From its earliest days, Schueller understood that beauty was not just about aesthetics, but also about self-esteem and self-confidence. This insight has led LOreal to invest heavily in neuroscience, biotechnology and artificial intelligence to create products that meet consumers emotional and physical needs.1.3 The Psychology Behind BrandingOne of the most fascinating aspects of LOreals success is how it uses psychology to win over and retain customers. The brand deeply understands consumers desires and insecurities and develops products that meet these needs.The company applies neuroscience concepts to understand how consumers perceive beauty and how their emotions influence purchasing decisions. This is evident in advertising campaigns, product packaging and even in the sensory experience offered by each item of the brand.For example, LOreal uses colors and textures that activate specific areas of the brain associated with pleasure and satisfaction. The choice of fragrances is also not random: each product is developed to evoke positive feelings and create an emotional connection with the consumer.1.4 Global Impact and Sustainable LeadershipToday, LOreal operates in more than 150 countries and has a diverse portfolio of brands that serve different market segments. The company maintains its leadership position not only through scientific innovation but also through a strong sustainability strategy.In recent years, LOreal has invested in vegan formulas, recyclable packaging and more sustainable production practices. This approach reinforces its image as a responsible brand aligned with the values of modern consumers.Additionally, the company is committed to diversity and inclusion, promoting campaigns that celebrate beauty in all its forms. This resonates strongly with an increasingly demanding and conscious audience....

The Origin of Marvel Studios From Comics to BlockbustersMarvel Studios was not born as a cinematic powerhouse. Its history is a journey of reinvention, creativity and business strategies that transformed a publishing label into one of the largest entertainment conglomerates in the world. This chapter delves into the origins of Marvel, from its first steps in the comic book universe to the moment it decided to bet everything on cinema.The Age of Comics: The Birthplace of MarvelMarvel Comics was founded in 1939 by Martin Goodman under the name Timely Publications. During the 1940s, the company launched iconic characters such as Captain America, who quickly became a symbol of patriotism during World War II. However, with the end of the conflict, interest in superheroes waned, and Marvel had to diversify its catalog in order to survive.In the 1960s, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko ushered in the modern era of Marvel. Characters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Hulk, and the Fantastic Four were introduced, bringing a new approach to storytelling. Unlike the simplistic stories of DC Comics, Marvel began to explore more complex themes, such as social issues, moral dilemmas, and human imperfections. These elements helped build a deep emotional connection between readers and the characters.For decades, Marvel thrived in the comic book market, but struggled financially in the 1980s and 1990s. To survive, the company began licensing its characters to Hollywood studios, resulting in films such as Blade (1998) and X-Men (2000). Although these films were successful, Marvel found itself losing creative and financial control over its intellectual properties.The Life-Changing Decision: Creating Your Own StudioIn 2005, Marvel made a bold decision: to create its own film production company. Until then, the rights to many of its characters were in the hands of other studios. The company managed to raise $525 million in funding, granting it the autonomy to produce its own films. It was in this context that Kevin Feige, then a young producer, took on the role of president of Marvel Studios.Feige had an ambitious vision: to create a shared Cinematic Universe, something never before seen in film. Inspired by comics, he wanted to connect different films into a larger narrative, allowing characters to interact with each other. This revolutionary idea was the starting point for Marvels colossal success.The First Step: Iron Man (2008)Marvel Studios first film, Iron Man, was a risky gamble. Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., was a relatively obscure character outside of comic book fan circles. Plus, Marvel was betting big on an actor who had struggled with personal issues in the past. However, the combination of a sharp script, dynamic direction, and Downey Jr.s charismatic chemistry resulted in a runaway success.Iron Man not only grossed over $585 million worldwide, but it also introduced audiences to the concept of a connected universe. In the post-credits scene, Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) appears to talk about the "Avengers Initiative," planting the seeds for future films. This now-iconic narrative device has become a Marvel trademark.The Strategy Behind SuccessThe decision to create a Cinematic Universe was not only a creative choice, but also a brilliant business strategy. By connecting different films together, Marvel was able to keep audiences engaged between releases. Each film served as a piece of a larger puzzle, encouraging viewers to watch all the titles to understand the full story.Additionally, Marvel has taken a methodical approach to producing its films. They have chosen to start with lesser-known characters like Iron Man and Captain America before introducing more popular characters like Thor and Hulk. This strategy has allowed Marvel to test the waters and gradually build a loyal fan base...

Introduction to the McDonalds Phenomenon McDonalds, one of the largest fast food chains in the world, is not just a household name, but a global phenomenon. Its products are consumed on an impressive scale and, most intriguingly, they have the power to create a sensory experience that keeps its consumers coming back for more, almost addictively. But what makes the taste of McDonalds so irresistible?In this chapter, well explore how food science, taste psychology, and product manufacturing processes play a crucial role in creating an experience that keeps customers coming back to your stores around the world. The central idea is that the combination of taste, texture, presentation, and even social interaction play a central role in building this obsession with a brands products.Throughout this book, well unravel the psychology behind McDonalds, as well as its food strategies. Well focus on how McDonalds doesnt just create food, but creates an immersive and addictive experience.Practical Example: Imagine walking into a McDonalds. The smell that envelops the room, the crunchy texture of the fries and the softness of the burger buns. Each of these elements is carefully designed to provide immediate sensory pleasure, creating the sensation that makes you want more. This sensation is not an accident, but rather the result of detailed studies on the behavior and neuroscience of taste.

The Beginning of an ObsessionSteve Jobs wasnt just a visionary. He was a perfectionist, obsessed with detail on a scale few business leaders could match. From the earliest days of Apple, Jobs demonstrated an uncommon concern for quality and detail that would become the backbone of his corporate philosophy. This focus on excellence often went beyond the bounds of business logic and was reflected in every aspect of the companyfrom product design to user experience.Jobs founded Apple in 1976, alongside Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. Although Apple was a pioneer in the development of personal computers, Jobss obsession was not only with technological innovations, but also with how people interacted with technology. For him, aesthetics were as important as functionality. This obsession with detail led Apple to create iconic products that revolutionized entire markets, such as the iPhone, iPad and MacBook.Jobs believed that user experience should not be separated from design and functionality. His mantra was clear: "Design isnt just what it looks like and feels like; design is how it works." He was committed to ensuring that every aspect of a product was treated with meticulous attention, from the packaging to the software that came with it.Practical example: The launch of the iPhone in 2007 perfectly exemplifies Jobss obsession with detail. Jobs was so immersed in the details of the touchscreen that he forced engineers to develop an interface that was intuitive and aesthetic, while also being responsive and functional. Apple spent years perfecting the design of the display, focusing on touch, feedback, and visual interaction. The iPhone was not just an innovative product, it was a work of art.

Humble Beginnings and Early GrowthThe story of Dominos Pizza begins in 1960, when two brothers, Tom and James Monaghan , purchased a small pizza shop called " DomiNicks " in Ypsilanti , Michigan. With just over $500 and a dream, they began a journey that would forever change the landscape of the fast food industry. However, this journey was not easy from the beginning.Tom Monaghan , who took full control after selling his share to his brother for a used car, quickly realized that the companys differentiator needed to be something simple yet powerful: fast, convenient delivery. At the time, few pizzerias offered home delivery, and even fewer guaranteed it would be fast. Thats when he came up with the iconic slogan: "Delivery in 30 minutes or its free." This revolutionary promise attracted customers in droves and fueled the brands growth.Over the next few years, Dominos expanded rapidly, opening franchises across the United States. By 1978, the company had reached the 200-store mark. However, its initial success brought challenges. As the company grew, the quality of its products began to vary from store to store, and a lack of standardization became evident. In addition, the pressure to deliver on its promise of fast delivery led to accidents involving delivery drivers, resulting in lawsuits and tarnishing the brands reputation.Despite these difficulties, Dominos continued to grow, achieving global giant status by the 1980s. However, this rapid growth also planted the seeds for future problems. The company would face harsh criticism over the quality of its products and its brand image in the years to come.Practical Example: How to Apply the Concept of Differentiation in Your BusinessImagine youre starting a small artisanal coffee business. To stand out in a competitive market, think of something unique that will attract customers. For example, you could offer a personalized experience, such as coffees made with unique beans from different regions of the world, along with stories about local producers. This creates an emotional connection with consumers and sets your business apart from the competition.

The Beginning of Two GiantsThe aviation industry has always been marked by innovation, technical challenges and fierce rivalry. Two giants dominate the sector: Airbus and Boeing. While both have played crucial roles in the development of modern aviation, the rivalry between these companies goes far beyond market competition. It is a quiet but intensely strategic battle that has led to technological advances and changes in the way we travel around the world.Airbus was founded in 1970 as a European consortium to challenge the dominance of Boeing, which was already an established power in the commercial aircraft market. While Boeing already had decades of experience and a robust aircraft portfolio, Airbus emerged with an innovative proposal: the creation of a line of large, high-capacity aircraft, with a focus on integrating new aviation technologies.However, the rivalry between the two companies did not emerge as just an economic competition. It was fueled by different design philosophies, engineering approaches and, of course, a very different vision of the future of aviation. US-based Boeing had already dominated the market with its 707 series aircraft and, later, the iconic 747. On the other hand, European-based Airbus sought to innovate by creating aircraft that were more fuel-efficient and comfortable for passengers.One of the early milestones in this quiet rivalry was the development of the Airbus A300, the first commercial airliner to be designed and manufactured by Airbus. The A300 was a moderate success, but its true significance was the way it challenged traditional notions of aviation design. Boeing, up until then, felt unchallenged. However, this initial challenge would trigger a series of breakthroughs that would change the industry forever.Practical Example: In the late 1960s, Boeing dominated the market with the 747, the first "jumbo jet ." However, with the launch of the Airbus A300 in 1972, Airbus introduced the idea of a wide-body aircraft that could compete with the Boeing giant. This spurred Boeing to evolve rapidly, resulting in the development of the 767, a wide-body aircraft that would debut on the market in 1982. The challenge of a growing rivalry forced Boeing to think outside the box and accelerate its own technological advances.

Adidas Origins and Historical ContextThe story of Adidas begins in a small town in Germany called Herzogenaurach , a place that, despite its modest size, played a monumental role in the creation of two of the worlds biggest sports brands: Adidas and Puma. To understand how this rivalry shaped Adidas identity, it is essential to explore its origins and the historical context that surrounded it.At the beginning of the 20th century, Adolf Dassler, better known as Adi Dassler, began making handmade shoes in his home. He was passionate about sports and had a clear vision: to create shoes that would improve the performance of athletes. In 1924, he founded Gebruder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory) together with his brother Rudolf Dassler. Together, they began producing high-quality sports shoes that quickly gained popularity among local athletes.The companys early success was driven by innovation. Adi Dassler was a natural inventor, always looking for ways to improve his products. One of the brands early milestones was the development of shoes with removable studs, which allowed athletes to adjust traction based on terrain conditions. This innovation was widely adopted by elite runners of the time and helped cement Dasslers reputation as a brand of excellence in the sport.However, success did not come without challenges. The 1930s were marked by political and economic turmoil in Germany, with the rise of the Nazi regime. During this period, the Dassler brothers faced external pressures that would ultimately have a profound impact on the companys future. Despite these difficulties, Dassler continued to grow, sponsoring athletes and participating in international sporting events.The relationship between Adi and Rudolf, however, began to deteriorate. Differences in personality and business acumen became increasingly evident. While Adi was meticulous and focused on product quality, Rudolf was more ambitious and interested in rapidly expanding the brand. These differences culminated in an irreparable rift during World War II, when both served in the German army and had experiences that further widened the rift between them.After the war, the feud between the brothers reached breaking point. In 1948, Adi founded Adidas, while Rudolf founded Puma. The split not only divided the family, but also the town of Herzogenaurach , which became known as "the divided town". Residents chose sides, and the rivalry between the two companies became an inseparable part of local culture.This split had a lasting impact on Adidas identity. From the beginning, the brand was associated with technical innovation and a commitment to sporting performance, values that reflected Adi Dasslers vision. At the same time, rivalry with Puma forced Adidas to differentiate itself, constantly looking for new ways to stand out in the competitive market.Practical Example: Adidas First Sports SponsorshipA practical example of Adi Dasslers vision can be seen in his sponsorship of athlete Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. At the time, Owens, an African-American athlete, faced racial prejudice in both the United States and Nazi Germany. Despite this, Adi saw Owens potential and provided him with custom-made footwear to compete in. Wearing Dassler shoes, Owens won four gold medals, becoming a symbol of endurance and athletic excellence. This sponsorship not only raised the brands profile, but also reinforced Adidas commitment to equality and athletic performance, principles that continue to shape its identity to this day.

Introduction to the Johnson & Johnson Case: The Scandal that Shook the IndustryIn 1982, one of the biggest scandals in the consumer industry shook public confidence and forged the reputation of one of the worlds most admired companies. Johnson & Johnson, a multinational pharmaceutical and consumer products giant, was about to face a crisis that would test its business ethics, management skills and commitment to consumers.History was made when Tylenol capsules, one of the companys best-selling painkillers, were laced with cyanide and killed seven people in Chicago. The poisoning was a deliberate ploy by a criminal, but the way Johnson & Johnson responded to the challenge has become a model for companies around the world on how to manage reputational crises.This book details the events that led up to this crisis, Johnson & Johnsons quick and efficient response, and how the company not only survived but used the situation to strengthen its brand and consumer trust. Crisis management and maintaining reputation in times of adversity are the most important lessons to be learned from this episode.The Impact of the ScandalWhen the deaths were linked to Tylenol, the impact was immediate and devastating. The product, which until then had been widely considered safe and reliable, was pulled from shelves nationwide. Sales plummeted, and the brand took a severe hit. But what happened next was shocking and worthy of study. Rather than trying to minimize the impact or cover up the facts, Johnson & Johnson took an open and honest approach, putting consumer safety first.Quick and decisive responseThe company immediately recalled 31 million bottles of Tylenol, worth an estimated $100 million, despite there being no evidence that all of the bottles were contaminated. Johnson & Johnson did not hesitate to put the safety and well-being of consumers above its own financial interests. This action was a bold move that at first might have seemed financially irresponsible, but it would later prove to be one of the greatest examples of successful crisis management.Rebuilding TrustOver the next few months, Johnson & Johnson implemented a series of measures to restore consumer confidence. These included introducing new tamper-evident packaging and communicating transparently with the public. The companys "full transparency" strategy became the foundation of its response, a move that is now seen as a model for other companies facing crises.Practical ExampleImagine you are a company that has just been hit by a similar incident, where a food product contains a dangerous contaminant. The first thing you should do is act quickly by recalling all affected products from the market, just as Johnson & Johnson did with Tylenol. Transparency in all your actions, communicating with the public honestly and openly, is key. By putting consumer safety first, you are taking the necessary steps to preserve the integrity of your brand and build a solid foundation for the future.

The Birth of PayPal The Fusion of Innovative VisionsIn the late 1990s, the world was witnessing an unprecedented digital revolution. The Internet was transforming the way people communicated, worked and did business. In this effervescent scenario, an idea emerged that would revolutionize the global financial system: PayPal.The Genesis: Confinity and X.comContinued...

The Origin of Red Bull An Energy Drink That Changed the WorldThe history of Red Bull begins in the mid-1980s, when Dietrich Mateschitz , an Austrian businessman, discovered an energy drink called Krating. Daeng in Thailand. At the time, he was suffering from jet lag. lag and realized that the drink helped improve his energy and focus. Inspired by this experience, Mateschitz had the vision to transform this local product into a global brand.The first step was to adapt the formula to suit Western tastes. While Krating Daeng was sweet and had a strong flavor, so Mateschitz tweaked the recipe to create something smoother and more refreshing. He also added carbon dioxide, turning it into a fizzy drink. The name " Red Bull" was chosen because of its universal appeal and association with energy and strength.The initial marketing strategy was crucial to the brands success. Mateschitz didnt just want to sell a drink, he wanted to create a culture around it. He positioned Red Bull as something unique, aimed at people who lived intense and challenging lives. From the beginning, the brand adopted an irreverent and innovative tone, distancing itself from conventional marketing strategies.Why was Red Bull different?While other companies invested in traditional advertising, Red Bull invested in experiences and events that captured the essence of its value proposition: energy, adrenaline and overcoming obstacles. This included sponsorships of extreme sports, music festivals and extreme competitions. This approach helped build a brand identity that went beyond the physical product.Practical Example: Launching on the Austrian MarketWhen Red Bull launched in Austria in 1987, the marketing team distributed free samples at universities, gyms and sporting events. They also organized go-kart races and other extreme events to appeal to the young, energetic audience. This strategy not only generated curiosity, but also created an emotional association between the brand and the active lifestyle. The result was an immediate success, with Red Bull quickly becoming the drink of choice for students and professionals looking for a boost of energy in their daily lives.

Introduction to the World of Data and SpotifyThe digital revolution has transformed the way we consume music, and Spotify is one of the biggest drivers of this transformation. The streaming app, launched in 2008, has grown exponentially, not just as a music service, but as a platform that analyzes, collects and uses data on its users behavior to personalize the music experience for billions of people around the world. The key to Spotifys success is not only its vast library of music, but its ability to use data to influence, shape and even predict users musical tastes.The Era of Music StreamingBefore Spotify, the music industry was dominated by CD purchases, individual downloads, and of course, radio. While radio has been a dominant platform for introducing new music for decades, it has its limitations. Spotify, with its data-driven model, has revolutionized this dynamic by offering nearly unlimited access to music while also personalizing track suggestions based on users listening behavior.The Power of DataSpotifys biggest advantage over other music platforms is its ability to capture data. Every time a user listens to a song, skips a track, or saves a song to a playlist, Spotify collects this information and uses it to improve its music recommendations. Spotifys recommendation algorithm is powered by a wealth of data about users preferences, creating a personalized experience for each user.How Data Shapes Music PreferencesData collection goes beyond just choosing songs. Spotify monitors listening time, playlist engagement, repeat tracks, and even the times when a user is most likely to listen to a certain style of music. This data is then processed to create a detailed profile of each user, helping the platform predict which songs are most likely to appeal to them.Practical example: Imagine that you are a fan of pop music and frequently listen to the most popular tracks on the charts. Spotify, by noticing this pattern, can recommend similar songs that are starting to gain popularity, or even songs by emerging artists in the same style, influencing your musical tastes before you have even heard of them.

The Marketing Revolution of the 21st Century: The Tesla CaseTraditional marketing, which relies heavily on paid ads and visible media, is no longer the only winning strategy in the business world. Tesla, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has proven that a company can thrive without spending large sums on conventional advertising. The secret behind this is not a gimmick, but a meticulously planned approach that is both bold and innovative. Teslas impact on the automotive market is not only a result of its advanced electric vehicles, but also the way the brand has positioned itself as a symbol of innovation and desirability.Instead of spending millions on TV commercials or digital ads, Tesla built a loyal following of fans who, in their own right, became the brands biggest advocates and evangelists. Musks success with Tesla wasnt just about having a great product, but about deeply understanding the dynamics of social media, traditional media, and consumer psychology.Teslas marketing is centered around a series of creative tactics, many of which work through digital word-of-mouth and provocative actions. Elon Musk is a master at this, using his own persona as an extension of the brand. He understood that, instead of investing in paid advertising, he could generate enormous visibility for Tesla through a combination of smart strategies and bold actions. He has become a global influencer, whose words, stance and attitude generate immediate repercussions, whether on social media or in traditional media.The concept of "ad-free marketing" does not only refer to the absence of paid ads. It encompasses a way of generating desire and loyalty through a genuine emotional experience with consumers, creating a connection that goes beyond the simple act of selling a product. The consumer, in this case, becomes an advocate for the brand, in a cycle that feeds back and generates powerful and sustainable organic marketing.Practical Example: In 2018, Elon Musk tweeted about the launch of the Tesla Roadster into space, using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket . This gesture did not cost any traditional advertising, but generated a massive global impact. The act was widely covered by the media and generated a flood of attention for the Tesla brand, without any direct investment in advertising.

Esta colección de ensayos sobre el humor en la obra de Samuel Beckett parte de una reacción contra la imagen estereotipada del premio Nobel irlandés de 1969 como autor solemne, angustiado y aburrido. Por el contrario, la mayoria de los expertos en su teatro, sus novelas y su poesia señalan el humor como parte fundamental de su universo creativo. Se trata, sin duda, de un humor complejo y que cumple muchas funciones en su escritura. Ademas, es un humor que cambia con el paso del tiempo, desde el humor satirico de sus primeros textos hasta los alivios comicos de las obras mas profundas de su ultima etapa, pasando por el humor descacharrante de sus novelas. Los articulos que aqui se reunen, escritos por especialistas de diversas universidades europeas y americanas, componen el variopinto mosaico que conforma la produccion literaria de un genio de la literatura del siglo XX, todo ello desde el prisma de la comicidad.

La historia real de amor entre Delilah, joven afrodescendiente, y Levin, empresario danés, se desarrolla en un contexto de profundas desigualdades étnicas y sociales en las Islas Vírgenes Danesas casi al termino de la Primera Guerra Mundial. Revela que los intereses geopoliticos de los poderosos estan por encima de consideraciones humanas y eticas, evidenciando que decisiones tomadas en lejanos centros de poder ignoran las necesidades de las poblaciones afectadas, las cuales no son tomadas en cuenta. Por otro lado, se cuestiona la fidelidad de los eventos historicos en su generalidad y su incapacidad de reflejar la singularidad vivida por los individuos. En este entramado de ambiciones y manipulaciones, la verdad y el amor son victimas colaterales, y se duda si el relato historico en su totalidad es tal como se ha escrito, o es otra mera manipulacion de los hechos. ¿Realmente se vive tal cual la historia que figura en los libros? ¿O es una simplificacion de estos, una version manipulada que ignora la voz de quienes realmente vivieron esos eventos? Donde la verdad y el amor quedan supeditados a intereses imperiales. Siendo las circunstancias historicas actuales no diferentes a las de entonces, y la probabilidad de que se repitan cada vez mas probable.

La extraña felicidad y otros textos literarios reúnedos tipos de escritura: por un lado, la manifestadaen forma de ensayos libres sobre obras y autoresdiversos (Revueltas, Malraux, Cheever, Baricco,Marechal, etc.) a los que el autor ha dedicadohoras de lectura y estudio y que desarrolla comoejercicios de clasificacion y encuadre al mismotiempo literario y filosofico. Por el otro, la que lohace en forma de textos breves de caracter propiamenteliterario, confeccionados a modo deviñetas impresionistas que fueron detonadosen su escritura por la lectura de fragmentos deobras tomadas de su biblioteca literalmente alazar o casi (Moby Dick, Oceano mar, la Etica deSpinoza, Los dias terrenales, etc.), y que han terminadopor ser un ejercicio sui generis de creacionliteraria en el que su capacidad poetica espuesta a prueba y ofrecida a la mirada del lectorcomo testimonio de un trabajo animado unica yexclusivamente por una sola pasion fundamentalpor la literatura.

El nombre de Ricardo Pérez Montfort está asociado con lo mejor de la producción en ciencias sociales y humanidades, porque a lo largo de varios años ha dado a conocer libros y artículos sobre una diversidad de temas que enriquecen el conocimiento de la historia, la sociedad y sus productos culturales. Sus textos se han convertido no solamente en obras obligadas de consulta para los academicos, sino que tambien han atraido a muy diferentes publicos, por su amable y diestra capacidad narrativa. De sus empeños proceden trabajos sobre la Revolucion mexicana, el nacionalismo, el racismo, los inmigrantes, el cine y la musica, siendo esta ultima una de sus pasiones declaradas. No sabemos si fue primero la interpretacion de algun instrumento o el analisis de lo observado en aquellas regiones que mas le han atraido, lo que si sabemos, es que no hay resquicio alguno sin que se encuentran claramente sus huellas, como podran comprobarlo los lectores que sigan este repaso de su muy extensa obra, cuyo fin es destacar sus aspectos mas relevantes. Participamos en este libro colegas que hemos seguido su trayectoria, que recibimos sus saberes en la catedra, en seminarios, congresos, foros, documentales, textos, y que pretendemos dar cuenta de sus numerosos intereses y de su avidez por el conocimiento. Ricardo Perez Montfort es, sin ninguna duda, merecedor de este homenaje por parte de quienes ademas hemos tenido la suerte de contar con su amistad.

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