Inflation, caused by rapid changes in the economy, an outflow of capital sent by the rich to havens abroad, and government spending, began to skyrocket in 1972, but the standards of living of the poor more than kept pace. But the middle class was starting to feel the pressure. U.S. trade and aid boycotts added to the problem.

The Right began to gather strength from entrepreneurs wary of the inflation and fearful of expropriations. In October 1972, a political strike by entrepreneurs added to the shortages, and the Allende government wavered.

MORRIS'S BOOK ends in late 1972, but the situation began brightening last spring. In the March congressional elections, Popular Unity enlarged its vote to 44 per cent, amazing observers who had predicted total collapse in Popular Unity strength. It is no surprise that coup post-mortems cite the 1970 vote percentage without mentioning the later vote.

Despite the increasing mandate for Popular Unity, the U.S. strategy regarding the Chilean military finally paid off. After forcing the old commander-in-chief, Carlos Prats, a Popular Unity supporter talked of (but not in the U.S. press) as Allende's successor, the military and the entrepreneurial associations moved against the government.

Allende is dead, but as Morris's book predicts, the revolution is far from over. Too many Chileans accustomed to nothing have glimpsed the future, and they will not surrender their dreams easily. Popular Unity has started a struggle that cannot be stopped. The struggle will continue by other means, but it will continue.

One of the reports filtering out of Chile in recent days described a 20-year-old, perched atop a six-story building, sniping at military patrols as they moved toward the Presidential Palace. He stood alone, clearly visible, firing at the enemy below. He was hit by return fire and teetered precariously.

After a few seconds, he toppled to his death. But there will be others to take his place.