"Since late 1980s a significant debate has developed in Bolivia over the presence of logias or secret organizations that allegedly control important sectors of political and economic life in the city of Santa Cruz; this book is the first attempt to compile material published between 1988-93 regarding these organizations. The most significant part of the book traces history of masonic movements in the city, documenting their illicit activities. Concludes that the Santa Cruz logias control the hiring and firing practices of public sector institutions in that city, thereby functioning as employment vehicles for their members and enabling them to divide local government functions among themselves"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.