This amazingly brief history of Latin America will delight any reader. Fully informed by the latest scholarship, this cleverly written survey spans six centuries & covers twenty countries. John Charles Chasteen presents a compelling narrative of the Latin American experience, animated by stories about men & women from all walks of life, & enriched by insightful analysis. The famous & not so famous characters of Latin America are here: Cortes, Malinche, Moctezuma, Sister Juana Ines de la Cruz, Bolivar, Father Manuel Hidalgo, Juan & Evita Peron, and, of course, Che Guevara. This is a story of despair & hope, the processes of conquest & colonization, race mixing & class construction, revolution & republic formation, & the elusive quests for sustained economic growth & political & social equality. This beautifully written, concise history will be especially valuable for business & recreational travelers on their way to Latin America.