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Publisher: Gale, Detroit, MI, 2008, $730.
ISBN: 978 0 684 31270 5. 6 vols, Also available as an e-book (ISBN 978 0 684 31590 4)
Since its publication in 1996 the first edition of this encyclopedia has rightly become a standard reference source in its field, marking a turning point for Latin American scholarship in terms of encyclopedic scope and level of detail. This new edition continues that high level of scholarship at the same time taking account of significant developments, which have taken place both in the political and cultural sphere throughout Latin America. The opportunity has, therefore, been taken to provide a thorough revision of the encyclopedia, creating new entries which incorporate these changes, as well as updating many hundreds of entries in the original work. The new edition is, therefore, in many respects a new work.
Originally the publishers had planned to issue a supplement to the first edition to bring it up to date. However, it quickly became clear that new developments required the preparation of an entirely new edition. New research areas have opened up casting new light on processes old and new. Among these new areas are the results of new research in Latin American archaeology, especially in the Andes and the Amazon whilst Atlantic history has enriched the analysis of colonial economic and cultural processes. Above all the recognition that indigenous peoples have played an active role in recent Latin American history has led to research on ethnic movements and a reconsideration of their roles farther into the past.
With the growing importance of Latin America countries both for their economic potential and rich cultural traditions recent years have seen a veritable flood of encyclopedias and volumes of collected essays covering a range of Latin American study themes. This new edition offers a handy single source bringing together this previously scattered information covering a range of historical, cultural and political themes. As well as the many countries which make up the subcontinent of Latin America the editors have usefully chosen to include the countries of Central America together...