For courses in the History of Latin America and Modern Latin America. Organized thematically, this text offers aclear narrative that weaves the story of Latin America together with coverage of broaderthemes and regional differences. In addition to the great diversity within Latin America, there is also a common theme that encompasses the sweep of history in the region. The original author of the text, E. Bradford Burns, cast the problem as the paradox that poor people inhabit rich lands. The reason for this paradox is that a tiny group of elites confuses their nation's well-being with their own. When this text was first published in 1972, there were very few texts on Latin America, and the ones that existed largely read like catalogs of historical events. Although there are others now, this textbook is still a leader in the field because of its clear thematic organization and a central narrative that tells a cohesive story, albeit with many variations. Co-author Julie A. Charlip is committed to continuing the Burns legacy. Despite changes in research, interpretations, and theories, Burns’s basic premise is still the most accurate and succinct, providing the best framework for approaching the region.