Latin American Civilization

Previous editions published under title: Readings in Latin-American civilization: 1492 to the present.

This book focuses on recent developments in Latin American politics and society. The major new selection made in the book are 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 tenth edition of Keen's Latin American Civilization inaugurates a new era in the history of this classic anthology by dividing it into two volumes. This first volume retains most of the colonial period sources from the ninth edition but with some significant additions including two new sets of images (representations of Brazilian cannibals and 'casta paintings' of mixed race families), an alternative conquest narrative, two new readings on imperial governance, and three new readings on gender and sexuality, including selections from the autobiography of a Spanish nun who took on a male persona to fight as a soldier in the American colonies. The 88 excerpts in volume one provides foundational and often riveting first-hand accounts of life in colonial Latin America. Concise introductions for chapters and excerpts provide essential context for understanding the primary sources.

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.

Keen's Latin American Civilization introduces readers to the sweeping panorama of Latin American history through a classic collection of primary documents. More than 140 readings, organized chronologically and placed in context by insightful introductory notes and essays, provide vivid glimpses of life in Latin America from the Conquest to the colonial and republican eras to contemporary Latin America. In the ninth edition, editors Robert Buffington and Lila Caimari document dramatic recent changes in Latin America, including the resurgence of leftist governments in South and Central America, the feminization of politics from the grassroots to the presidency, the devastating effects of narco-trafficking and political corruption on law and order, and growing concerns about the environment.