The Penguin History of Latin America (Penguin History)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 640 pages
• Published by: Penguin Non-Classics September 7, 1993
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0140125590
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0140125597
• Book Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches
• Weighs: 14.9 ounces

From Library Journal
Penguin has contributed numerous useful works in its Latin American series, and this comprehensive, historical survey of the region is no exception. Williamson (Univ. of Edinburgh) has accomplished a nearly impossible task: He has produced a lucid, objective interpretation for the nonspecialist reader. The book is organized topically, rather than by country, and the author wisely selected regional examples of his major themes, rather than attempting a detailed analysis of each country. The work ends with an unusual exploration of literature and culture in relation to identity and modernization, followed by a helpful bibliographic essay. Highly recommended for most libraries.
- Roderic A. Camp, Latin American Ctr., Tulane Univ., New Orleans, La.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
This book is a testimony that Mr. Williamson can be rated as a top notch literary critic. He is also a good English Historian. So here you have it: he combines the sensibility and mastery of language of a man of letters with the rigor and deapth of knowledge of an academic Historian to give us an introduction to Latin America through her history. What results is a complete and readable synthesis of the main currents in Latin politics, economy, society and literature. Mr. Williamson's underlying thesis is that of the search of Latin American societies for Modernity defined as a democratic, liberal and self-conscious state of affairs. The history is therefore roller-coasterish. But then Mr. Williamson will make your ride enjoyable.