eBooks de Estudios literarios, página 16 de 803

Introduction to the Harley-Davidson PhenomenonHarley-Davidson is more than just a motorcycle brand; it is a symbol of rebellion, freedom and unconditional loyalty. Founded in 1903, the company quickly became synonymous with two wheels and freedom, earning a special place in the hearts of its customers. Harley-Davidson customer loyalty goes beyond a simple preference for a product; it is a passion, an emotional bond that few brands can achieve.But whats behind this fervor? What makes Harley-Davidson unique and creates such a deep connection with its riders? This e-book sets out to explore these aspects and reveal how the brand manages to build such unwavering loyalty in its customers, not just over the years, but across generations.In this chapter, we begin with the history of Harley-Davidson, understanding its founding and evolution. The brand has not only survived the test of time, but has thrived, withstanding even difficult economic times and the pressure of competitors who have tried to imitate it. Harley-Davidson has become a cultural icon, generating a legion of fans and customers willing to defend its brand with fervor. This is not accidental, but the result of deep strategies and a deep understanding of what its consumers really want.Practical Example : Imagine you are a motorcycle enthusiast who has never owned a Harley-Davidson. The first time you hear the unmistakable sound of the engine, you feel an inexplicable emotion. As you get closer to the brand, you begin to notice the camaraderie and respect of other Harley riders, and soon you feel part of something bigger, a community. This is the first step towards loyalty for a Harley-Davidson customer: a deep emotional connection with the brand.

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...

The Genesis of an ObsessionJeff Bezos, founder of Amazon , didnt start his journey with the intention of creating the worlds largest retail company. In 1994, he left a stable job on Wall Street to pursue a vision: creating an online bookstore. However, what started as a simple bookstore quickly grew into something much bigger, driven by an almost fanatical obsession with the customer experience.Bezos believed that to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace, Amazon needed to offer something no other retailer could: an exceptional shopping experience. This belief was not just a business strategy, but a philosophy deeply rooted in his personal psychology. Bezos understood that to win and retain customers, Amazon needed to go above and beyond expectations by creating an emotional connection with its users.Bezos obsession with customer experience can be traced back to his childhood. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1964, Bezos has always displayed an insatiable curiosity and relentless determination. His mother, Jacklyn Gise recalls that, as a child, Jeff was meticulous and detail-oriented, always striving for perfection in everything he did. These characteristics shaped his approach to business and, more specifically, his view of what it means to serve the customer.Early on at Amazon , Bezos implemented practices that reflected his obsession. He insisted that all employees, including himself, spend time in customer service. This immersion allowed them to understand customers pain points and needs firsthand. Bezos was also known for his practice of leaving an empty chair in meetings, symbolizing the customer as the most important participant.The psychology behind this obsession is complex. Bezos wasnt just looking to please customers; he wanted to surprise them. He understood that surprise and delight were emotionally powerful, creating positive memories that led to brand loyalty. This approach was key to Amazon s growth , transforming it from a simple online bookstore into a global empire.Practical Example: One of the first examples of Bezoss obsession with customer experience was the introduction of the "personalized recommendations" feature on Amazon . By analyzing users purchase history and browsing behavior, Amazon began suggesting products that customers might like. This innovation not only increased sales, but also created a sense that Amazon "knew" its customers, strengthening the emotional connection.

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.

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 BMW Story - Roots of Innovation and GrowthBMWs history begins long before the brand became synonymous with luxury cars and unparalleled performance. Founded in 1916 by Karl Rapp, Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH, or simply BMW, began its journey as a manufacturer of aircraft engines during the First World War. The company soon stood out for the precision and quality of its engines, attributes that would become trademarks of the brand throughout its evolution. After the war, with the ban on the manufacture of aircraft engines, BMW began to focus on engines for motorcycles and, eventually, automobiles.In the early years of its existence, BMW had a close relationship with technological innovation. The brand pioneered the development of powerful and compact engines, which allowed BMW to stand out in the motorcycle market, especially with the launch of the iconic R32 model. However, it was with the development of automobiles that BMW cemented its reputation for excellence.Over the decades, BMW has established itself as a symbol of German precision engineering, always seeking to innovate while maintaining a commitment to quality, performance and design. The transition into the automotive sector reached its peak in 1928, when the brand acquired the Eisenach automobile factory , allowing the manufacture of its first cars, such as the Dixi 3/15, a small model but with the quality that would come to define the brand.Practical example: Imagine the transition a BMW engineer would have to make when adapting aircraft engine concepts to the automotive environment. It would be a shift in focus from power, performance and durability to a completely different environment. This kind of flexibility and technical adaptability is what allows BMWs precision engineering to excel, ensuring that quality and innovation are maintained even in a new field.

THE UNEXPECTED RISE OF TIKTOKIn 2016, an app called Douyin was launched in China by the company ByteDance . Its international version, TikTok, followed shortly after in 2017. Within a matter of years, TikTok had become one of the most popular apps in the world, garnering a global user base of over a billion people. How did a short-form video platform manage to dominate the digital landscape so quickly, when other social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter were already well-established? The answer lies in a combination of technical, psychological and cultural factors.The first secret behind TikToks meteoric rise is its revolutionary algorithm. Unlike traditional platforms, which prioritize friends and pages followed by users, TikTok invests in a content feed based solely on users interests and behaviors, delivering videos directly related to what they have previously watched or interacted with. This allows any user, whether new or established, to have their posts seen by a global audience, with the potential to go viral very quickly. This system, called "For You Page" (FYP), is crucial to TikToks engagement experience.Additionally, TikToks ease of use and simple interface, combined with special effects and licensed music, have made it possible for anyone to create engaging videos without the need for advanced video editing skills. This focus on DIY has allowed for a democratization of content, which has attracted millions of creators.Practical example: An ordinary person, with no history of fame or followers, starts posting dance or comedy videos using popular TikTok songs. After a few days, one of their videos is shown on the For You Page of thousands of users and, thanks to the algorithm, their video goes viral, accumulating millions of views and new followers. This is a clear example of the power of the TikTok algorithm to promote content in a democratic way.Continued...

SUBWAYS PROMISING BEGINNINGS AND RISEThe story of Subway begins with a simple but powerful idea: to offer a healthy alternative to traditional fast food. Founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck, Subway was initially called " Petes Super Submarines ". The goal was clear: to create a sandwich restaurant that was fast, affordable and healthy, something unusual in the gastronomic scene at the time. In an era dominated by burgers and fries, Subway emerged as an innovative proposal for fresh and quick meals.Over the following decades, Subway grew exponentially, with its proposal for customizing sandwiches, where consumers could choose the ingredients and assemble their options according to personal preferences. This do-it-yourself business model quickly spread, and Subway became one of the largest fast food chains in the world. The brand expanded to over 40,000 units, making Subway a household name and a dominant presence in the fast food industry.However, despite the global success, something started to change. The rise of competing brands, changing eating habits and internal pressures began to challenge the winning formula that had made Subway a giant. But what exactly happened behind the scenes at that fast food giant to make it lose its relevance?Practical Example: During a visit to a Subway store in 2015, a consumer who had been a loyal customer for years noticed a decrease in the level of service. While the sandwiches were still good quality, the service was more impersonal and the atmosphere in the store felt less welcoming. What appeared to be a simple oversight in the customer experience was actually a reflection of changes happening behind the scenes.

El libro Segundos de arena contiene poemas en los que el tiempo, con todos sus matices, con el derroche de instantes o la congelación en el segundo de la memoria, con alegrías y decepciones, con momentos recortados de los pliegues de la realidad y (re)vividos a la nueva luz del pensamiento-cosa, es el personaje presente-ausente.Atravesando epocas (forma mentis), los segundos de los relojes de arena se transfiguran, adquieren nuevos significados y dimensiones, se convierten en gritos y silencios, en sueños o ensueños, adoptando la forma humana de los peregrinos por la eternidad que somos. Del lado de Cronos, la existencia convencionalmente medida es el presente del instante que une el pasado implacable con el futuro incierto en el gran juego de la vida.

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.

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.

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.

Anhelos del alma es un poemario que invita a un viaje íntimo hacia las profundidades del ser. A través de una estructura en secciones, la obra transita por universos emocionales tan diversos como la libertad y el caos, el amor y la perdida, la ancestralidad y la sensualidad, hasta llegar a las reflexiones mas melancolicas. Con una prosa poetica que destila sinceridad y compromiso social, la autora nos conduce por un sendero de autoconocimiento y denuncia, donde cada verso es una ventana a sus vivencias y a las realidades que la conmueven. Este libro es, al mismo tiempo, un reencuentro personal y una invitacion a cuestionar el mundo, abriendo espacio para que el lector descubra, sutilmente, su propia verdad.

El Che vs. Jesús es una obra de ficción religiosa y política; con algunos hechos reales y una imaginación a rienda suelta, en la cual el autor describe cómo, dónde, cuándo y quiénes fueron los protagonistas de haber creado las imagenes de Jesus y el Che para que llegasen a ser las mas publicadas de la historia. La imaginacion del autor tambien describe acerca de la ultima noche de vida del Che Guevara. El Che comienza a sentirse en un trauma de una crisis espiritual y moral. Y de repente comienza un viaje por el ultramundo. Con su guia, conoce los nueve circulos del infierno, los niveles del purgatorio y llega al paraiso antes de morir.

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.

Se habla mucho de Occidente sin saber bien qué es, quiénes lo constituyen, de dónde viene, a dónde va, hasta se duda de si quedará algo de Occidente después de Trump. Quienes lo tienen más claro son los rivales de Occidente, los que quieren sustituirlo en el orden economico mundial, China, y los enemigos declarados que quisieran destruirlo. Estamos en guerra con Occidente, claman en la Rusia de Putin.La idea de Occidente se formo a partir de los legados de Grecia y Roma, decayo en la Edad Media, resurgio en el Renacimiento y se asento con la Ilustracion, el liberalismo y las aportaciones cientificas, culturales y de derechos y libertades.El mundo esta occidentalizado, cierto. No obstante, parte del mundo sigue muy resentido con Occidente, cuyo pasado desborda de imposiciones, explotacion, humillaciones, crimenes juzgados injustamente segun la moral y el derecho de hoy.La colonizacion por los europeos abrio el mundo, lo hizo global, pero a un coste tremendo en vidas para los colonizados. ¿Habria sido posible una apertura menos sangrienta?Los dos pilares de Occidente, Europa y Estados Unidos se estan distanciando por los propositos divisivos de Trump, su mandato dura hasta 2029 y en cuatro años se puede hacer mucho daño. Europa tiene la responsabilidad de representar lo bueno de Occidente en un momento crucial para la humanidad entera amenazada por el cambio climatico.Occidente ha sido problematico, pero tambien puede ser una fuente de esperanza y soluciones en nuestro inquietante siglo XXI.El libro aporta un analisis contundente, riguroso e ilustrado de todo ello.

La recopilación de cartas más pertidas, inspiradoras y excepcionales del mundo, actualizada con catorce misivas nuevas y una introducción puesta al día.Cartas memorables se convirtió desde el momento de su publicacion en un fenomeno de culto del que se vendieron miles de ejemplares en todo el mundo. Una decada despues, con un formato mas bello y manejable, una introduccion actualizada y quince misivas nuevas, Shaun Usher nos invita a sumergirnos en este asombroso museo de la correspondencia epistolar que captura con humor la seriedad, tristeza y esplendor de nuestras vidas.Con cartas, entre otras, de:James BaldwinCharles BukowskiJames CameronFidel CastroRaymond ChandlerLeonardo Da VinciAlbert EinsteinGalileo GalileiGandhiTom HanksIsabel IIMick JaggerJohn F. KennedySteve MartinAnais NinElvis PresleyVirginia WoolfLa critica ha dicho... Un volumen que reivindica, en la era del correo electronico, la vieja institucion de la carta, ya sea a mano, a maquina e incluso impresa desde un ordenador. Xavi Ayen, La VanguardiaLibro atractivo, plural y seductor, acaso nos recuerde lo bello de escribir una carta a mano y que los e-mails no han resucitado (como creyeron algunos) el arte o destreza epistolares. Luis Antonio de Villena, El CulturalCartas memorables incluye fotografias y anotaciones al margen de cada misiva poniendo en contexto cada historia. Al recopilador le llevo meses buscar los originales y conseguir los derechos para reproducir facsimiles de los mismos, tal como fueron escritos, a mano o a maquina, con sus borrones, tachaduras y demas imperfecciones. El conjunto ofrece una panoramica tan variada como curiosa. Amelia Castilla, El PaisUn tesoro de persion.Le Figaro MagazineNunca te cansaras de este libro. Stephen Fry

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.

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.

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.