Central America: A Nation Divided (Latin American Histories)

Rating:
Summary: lack of passion
Review: I know: A history book is not meant to be a page turner. But this book is written in such a dry and unemotional way that the reader wonders why he was originally interested in that region at all. It mainly consist of a compressed recounting of historical events the author has read about somewhere else. The book may be helpful for the fist year history student, but for the 'layman' who has a general interest in the region and its history, this book isn't worth buying. Sorry!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent background
Review: Mr. Lockard's review is correct: for particular periods, there are better books. However, for an overall, remarkably balanced review of the History of Central America from the time of the first European contact to the near present, I don't think you will find a better book. I found the 280 pages an easy read, but maybe that's because, in giving us a basic chronological account of political events, the author shows us how one leads to the next, and supplies the local economic, social context in which these events take place, and the international forces acting upon them. Anyone who has read this book is much better prepared to understand what is now happening in that country, and to judge what works and what doesn't work in the way of US foreign policy towards that part of the world. And besides, just the extensive bibliography is worth the price of the book.

Rating:
Summary: A review of Central America: A Nation Divided
Review: Ralph Woodward's Central America: A Nation Divided, has been the best introductory book to the region. This third edition is a clear improvement over the previous editions. Both the chronology and the bibliography have been updated and expanded. (The Bibliography is now 77 pages long!) The book is strong on the era of independence and the early national period (1780's to 1840's). It is excellent for the 1970's to the present. All of the countries are evenly covered, including Belize. However, it is not as comprehensive for the rest of the 19th century when coffee and bananas permanently shaped the economies and societies of the region. It is also weak on the Indian cultures prior to the Spanish conquest.

Rating:
Summary: A review of Central America: A Nation Divided
Review: Ralph Woodward's Central America: A Nation Divided, has been the best introductory book to the region. This third edition is a clear improvement over the previous editions. Both the chronology and the bibliography have been updated and expanded. (The Bibliography is now 77 pages long!) The book is strong on the era of independence and the early national period (1780's to 1840's). It is excellent for the 1970's to the present. All of the countries are evenly covered, including Belize. However, it is not as comprehensive for the rest of the 19th century when coffee and bananas permanently shaped the economies and societies of the region. It is also weak on the Indian cultures prior to the Spanish conquest.