Written from deep understanding, long acquaintance, and extensive knowledge, Hubert Herring's brilliant A History of Latin America is unquestionably the finest and fullest history of the complex and turbulent world of Latin America and its people. For this third edition, it has been extensively rewritten and brought completely up to date to tell the story of the Latin American experience from the Indian, Iberian and African backgrounds to the tumults of the mid-twentieth century. It cover Chile's epochal 'revolution by ballot' under Edurado Feri and the Christian Democrats; Brazil's recent military upheavals; Argentina's disappointing relapse into dictatorship; and the extraordinary rule of Fidel Castro in Cuba. The bibliography has been thoroughly revised and the statsitical tables include the latest available data. The colourful and verigated history of Central and South America provides the author with a challenge that is superbly met. Political, social and economic history are covered in great detail, but not at the expense of intellectual or cultural history; and the impressive personalities who have appeared with such profusion in this area are vividly portrayed. A History of Latin America is an authoritative and perceptive book, and one essential for any reader who wishes to understand the importance of this explosive continent in the world history. -- Inside cover.