"Introductory chapter sets out the ecological, geographical, and historical context. Following chapters explore prehistory of the northern (Maya) zone, the central sector, and southern Central America. Concluding chapter indicates general patterns of Central American societal organization and contrasts these to changes that occurred at the timeof the Spanish invasion. For historian's comment on all six volumes see HLAS 56:1633"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.