Latin America, an area of great economic potential, has long been in need of an authoritative and concise introduction. This history has been written by a specialist who was closely connected with Latin America for over forty years. His text emphasizes how many races and classes have contributed to the civilization of this great landmass, with its vast mountain ranges, rivers, prairies, forests, and deserts: Indians, European conquistadores, priests, planters, African slaves, caudillos, liberal intellectuals, and commercial pioneers.This fascinating, easy-to-follow text traces Latin American history from its earliest times to the present.