"Well researched, structured, and articulated study of demographic and economic events and developments in the three major regions (northern and central highlands, southern highlands, and central and southern coast) and in the three primary cities of Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Also studies political economy of the colony at large, from 1690s epidemics through establishment of the nation-state in 1830. Draws heavily on Royal Treasury data. One of the most important economic studies of the Audiencia of Quito yet attempted"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.