Book Description

The fourth edition of Latin American Civilization is a compact update of a classic book of readings that teachers and students of Latin American history have used and appreciated since its first appearance in 1955. Returning to the single-volume format, this edition combines the best of the old collection with new material on recent developments in Latin American politics and society. Particular care has been taken to bring the chapters on the twentieth century up to date. Among the new selections are pieces on the Church’s role in the Nicaraguan revolution, the Malvinas/Falklands war, the struggle for democracy in Argentina and Brazil, and women’s liberation in Cuba. The great majority of selections are primary materials. These personal narratives—many translated by Dr. Keen for this collection—convey the flavor and spirit of a period more vividly than official documents and are generally better written. Secondary works are used only when suitable contemporary material was not available. The brief introductions and headnotes, which provide students with background information on the authors and subject matter, have been updated to reflect the best recent scholarship. This lively, entertaining, and informative book is an excellent companion for all texts on Latin American history, although its organization and outlook conform most closely to that of Keen and Wasserman’s Short History of Latin America.