One of two essential biographies - Rated 
For detailed insight on the dynamics of the Cuban Revolution, the historical context, the complexity of events on an international scale, and Fidel Castro's strategic and political wizardry, look no further. This book is by far the best.
However, in depicting Che's "world" so brilliantly, and by dedicating a third of the book to his youth before the Cuban revolution, Anderson has had to forsake many details and, sadly, some intimacy. "The enormous gesture that was [Che's] life" (to quote the famous song) remains an... incomprehensible gesture. For that extra touch of colour and a more intimate portrait, I would recommend Paco Ignacio Taibo's "Ernesto Guevara, also Known as Che" (published in the same year). Not only does Taibo focus on Che the revolutionary, but also writes, essentially, through his protagonist's own writing. To quote Taibo, "Che's own words... There is no way to approximate that narrative tone, that incredible sincerity, and that caustic sense of humour."
Whilst Anderson dedicates many pages to Ernesto Guevara's fascinating youth, Taibo quickly gets to the Cuban Revolution. Every phase of Che Guevara's life as a revolutionary, including his two ill-fated ventures abroad, is covered in greater depth. Taibo's biography undoubtedly lacks the "scoops" contained in Anderson's book, as well as the vividly-described (and vital!) context; however, it is less "macho", and it offers a more profound portrayal of Che Guevara the man and thinker.
One criticism I have regarding Anderson's book is that he opportunistically picks positive and negative points here and there in the name of "objectivity" (perhaps to make the book conveniently palatable to a wider - read "larger" - audience). In his selective choice of anecdotes he comes across as rather self-conscious and calculating. Conversely, Taibo (like Castaneda in "Companero", another well-known Che biography) writes more spontaneously: his objectivity is not contrived, and he is more interested in understanding Che Guevara, defects and all. But Taibo's book is by no means naïve or sentimental: he endeavours to portray Che Guevara as he would have been seen back then, rather than with today's condescending hindsight (which is what Anderson does).
Another criticism is that oddly, in Anderson's book, there seems to be an entire chunk missing on how the Cuban Missile crisis came about. Was it accidentally erased? And one passage bothered me; "Who was to blame for the shortages? The US trade embargo? The revolution's radicalization that caused the exodus of technicians and managers from the island? The incompetence of the revolution's leaders in attempting to convert a capitalist economy into a socialist one? Yes, all of these were contributing factors". Anderson, who otherwise dedicates so much time to the most intricate details, for some reason does not elaborate on this monumental statement.
Last but not least, the book has been poorly proofread. Spelling and syntax errors abound, some names are misspelled, and, in the final chapter, "Bolivia" has been mixed up with "Algeria". Given the high standard of writing, this is a terrible shame.
To conclude, both biographies are excellent, but only if both books are read. Without one another, they are flawed. Although the crucial details are similar, the authors' perspectives couldn't be more different. For this reason the books beautifully complement each other. Clearly, the many positive reviews for Anderson's book are based on the assumption that readers make that the autor has written "everything there is to know" about Che Guevara. This is not true of (and not possible in) any biography.
[For those interested in reading more, aside from Taibo's book, I would recommend Che Guevara's incredible Bolivian Diary. Castaneda's biography, "Companero" is wonderful: the author is an eminent historian and he provides a masterful analysis. The only pity is that it is less reader-friendly and should be read with some previous knowledge. The much-awaited "Evocacion" by Che's widow Aleida March has just been released (yet to be published in English) and I would recommend this mainly for the poignant farewell poem that Che wrote to her shortly before he died (I am sure his biographers would have loved to get their hands on this). A short but moving account written by Che - "La Piedra" (about his mother's death) - is now freely available on the internet.]
An objective account of Che's life! - Rated 
Forget all the hype about Che Guevara of was he a great man? or was he a terrorist?. This book gives a very well researched and informative view of Che's life. It is well written and packed with detailed info and some interesting photo's about his life. A great read! It made the visit to his Mausoleum in Santa Clara in Cuba very special.
Its just a book....isn't it? - Rated
This is a magnificent piece of research and writing.
Anderson really brings the reader into Guevara's life and with so many first hand accounts from interviews with many of the people that made up part of the web that was Guevara's world. This book must be read by anyone who wishes to learn about the man.
Historically and factually splendid, this book really lets you feel what was going on (and perhaps is still going on in some cases)in The Americas, Russia and beyond and lets you grasp the true ethos of revolution.
Follow the birth of Ernesto right through to the death of 'Che' and you will experience an intimate account of a genuine legendary and mythical figure,you will literally feel the power and presence that was Che Guevara.
Unmissable.
A committed revolutionary, but Che is no hero - Rated
Why is Che Geuvara considered a revolutionary hero? It is not down to his achievements; he fought bravely alongside Castro is Cuba but then largely destroyed the Cuban economy by his policies of collectivisation, isolated Cuba from its main ally, the USSR, and led disastrous adventures into the Congo and Bolivia. He is probably considered a hero as a result of his motives rather than his results; he had a driving urge to help the impoverished, and believed that revolution and sweeping away existing political structures was the best way to achieve this. He was wrong. Most people, no matter how impoverished, simply want a better life; they do not care about the workers' control of capital or the difference between Maoism, Marxism and Trotskyism hence Che's failure in Bolivia, and , economically, Cuba. Che's legend endures because he died young, therefore his works, like those of Jim Morrison, are elevated and mythologised out of all proportion. As this riveting book makes clear Guevara and Castro had a real opportunity to change Cuba for the better; the fact that even today hundreds die trying to escape the island shows the magnitude of their failure.
BRILLIANT - Rated
Anderson has written a massive biography, starting when Che was a child, he takes us from his formative years, his revolutionary awakening on his famous motorcycle trips, his revolutionary battles, through to his death in Bolivia. The book is brought alive with fascinating details and interviews, and previously unpublished writings which give a thorough insight into not only the man, but the political climate of the Cold War, and the unsavoury dealings of the CIA and KGB. It does not matter whether you agree with Che's political stance or actions, this book gives a slice of recent history which is essential to the understanding of the times he lived in, and how we got to where we are today. Excellent research and extremely readable.
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