Authoritative yet accessible, the new four-volumeEncyclopedia of Latin Americacovers the history and culture of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean from early settlements to the present day. Each volume focuses on a specific time period in the area's development. The first volume explores prehistory through the achievements of the Incas in the 16th century, and the second volume covers the arrival of the Spanish, colonization, and independence movements until the 1820s.Volume IIIexamines Latin America's search for its own identity from the middle of the 19th century to the start of the 20th, and the fourth volume focuses on Latin America as it asserts itself in international politics, experiences the effects of globalization, and becomes an influential area worldwide, from the 20th century through the present day.Volumes offer in-depth, heavily cross-referenced A-to-Z entries, drawing readers into the histories of ancient civilizations, colonization, celebrated independence leaders, national and regional political debates, and the daily lives and achievements of the many peoples who have occupied the area. Each volume begins with an introduction to the time period, followed by a detailed chronology. A collection of primary source documents at the end of each volume gives a firsthand account of the major developments of the era. A glossary, bibliography, and index in each volume, a cumulative index inVolume IV, and 250 black-and-white images and maps round out this attractive and reliable resource on Latin America.Entries include:Volume I: American Indians through Foreign Colonization (Prehistory to 1560)

The 2d ed. of this major resource contains substantial additions, notably eight lengthy articles on major topics by prominent scholars, the addition of 568 new entries, and revision of many of the earlier entries and bibliographies. Of 5824 entries, 3322 are biographies, with equal treatment given throughout to people and countries that are Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking as well as non-Spanish-speaking Caribbean countries. The entries for each of the individual countries of Latin America are made up of separate, detailed articles discussing the country's history in the colonial period, the 19th, and the 20th centuries, with attention to the impact of colonists on the native peoples, the activities of missions, and discussion of economics, geography, and culture. The eight overview essays--on race and ethnicity, migration and migrations, democracy, Hispanics in the US, economic development, hemispheric affairs, nationhood, and globalization--are valuable entry points to Latin American studies for the general reader. Each of the 6 volumes contains a section of color plates on different themes; v.6 contains a chronology, a thematic outline of topics, a table of biographical subjects by profession, and a comprehensive index. Bibliographies are attached to each entry, with care taken to include non-English sources. This is a superb resource, accessible to undergraduate students and the general reader. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The three authors, historians at Texas Christian U. (Fort Worth), the U. of the Pacific (Stockton, CA), and Bowling Green State U. (Bowling Green, OH), offer an A-to-Z assessment of the events, developments, issues, and personalities that shaped 20th century Mexico. Entries touch on the economy, politics, art, and culture, with overviews of the history and current situation of each Mexican state and an examination of the ups and downs of US-Mexican relations. Of interest to students, travelers, and Americans doing business in Mexico; the reference is dotted with b&w photos. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)