"The articles are short, up-to-date, and concise. Exactly what is needed for introductory students. The range of material it covers is thorough. It offers both cross-cutting articles by theme as well as country-by-country material. The writing style throughout is clear and easy to understand.... A most worthwhile book!" Pauline Hansen-Vaillancourt Universite du Quebec a Montreal

"A fine job.... This book should meet the need for today's increasingly multidisciplinary courses introducing North American students to the vast and varied region of Latin America". William E. Melvin

Memphis State University

This textbook, extensively revised and updated, introduces the student to what is most basic and most interesting about Latin America. The authors -- each widely recognized in his or her own discipline as well as among Latin Americanists -- analyze both the enduring features of the area and the pace and direction of change. The book conveys the unifying aspects of Latin American culture and society, together with the distinct characteristics of major subregions and countries.