This book is actually a primary source—it's the full text of Sebastian Undiano y Gastelu's 1876 proposal to the Argentine government. He wasn't just suggesting a minor border tweak; he wanted to shift the southern frontier of Buenos Aires province all the way down to the Rio Negro and Colorado rivers, massively expanding its territory.

The Story

There's no traditional plot with characters, but the narrative is in the argument itself. Undiano lays out his case like a lawyer. He uses geography, economics, and military strategy to convince the authorities that this move is essential for security, development, and national growth. Reading it, you follow his logic step-by-step. You see his vision for settling empty lands, securing them from indigenous resistance, and fueling the province's wealth. The 'story' is the birth, presentation, and ultimate fate of this ambitious idea.

Why You Should Read It

It's a raw look into the mindset of an era. This isn't a historian's analysis written a century later; it's the plan, in the author's own words. You get a direct sense of the ambitions, the justifications, and the blind spots of Argentina's Generation of 1880. It's surprisingly accessible for a government document. You can feel Undiano's passion and his certainty that this is the right path forward. It makes you think about how countries are literally shaped by such proposals—the ones that succeed and the many, like this one, that don't.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who love original documents, or anyone curious about how maps get made (and remade). It's not a novel, so don't expect a thrilling adventure. But if you enjoy peeking behind the curtain of history and reading the plans that never were, this is a compelling and quick glimpse into a pivotal moment in Argentina's formation.