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Encyclopedia of Latin America

by Thomas M. Leonard
4 vols. Facts On File. 2010. 1784p. ed. by Thomas M. Leonard. illus. maps. index. ISBN 978-0-8160-7359-7. $360; Online: Infobase eBooks REF
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General editor Leonard (emeritus, history, Univ. of North Florida, Jacksonville) has gathered a notable group of more than 60 contributors for this expansive four-volume set. Each volume begins with an alphabetical list of entries in the entire set, including the volume in which each entry appears. Volumes are categorized chronologically, beginning with the pre-Columbian period (Volume 1, prehistory through foreign colonization), then moving on to the Spanish colonial empire (Volume 2, 1550–1820), the development of new nations (Volume 3, 1820–1900), and the age of globalization (Volume 4, 1900 to the present). Each volume contains an introductory essay and time line specific to that period. The clear and concise entries range from a paragraph or two to several pages in length, and many are illustrated with black-and-white maps, tables, and photographs. Most entries conclude with suggestions for further reading. Each volume also contains an appendix of selected primary-source documents in English translation, many with an introductory paragraph setting them in context. The appendix is followed by a glossary of terms relevant to the volume in hand and additional suggested readings pertinent to that period. BOTTOM LINE An excellent resource for high school libraries and academic libraries at institutions specializing in history and Latin American culture, as well as large public libraries serving audiences with an interest in this area.—Sarah Sutton, Texas A&M Univ. Lib., Corpus Christi
Gr 9 Up—Each volume covers one broad time period and is organized alphabetically. Separate articles about Mexico, for example, appear in three volumes, each focusing on events in that country during the relevant era. With more than 1000 articles, including 300-plus biographical entries, coverage is fairly comprehensive and quite current, discussing such recent events as Fidel Castro's 2008 resignation. Access is aided by the detailed cumulative index in volume four. Capitalized terms within articles refer readers to related articles within the same volume. Each book closes with a lengthy collection of primary-source documents—some excerpts, others complete—including laws, reports, and letters. These are indexed, but not referenced in the related articles, so students can read the article about Santa Anna but miss the relevant excerpt from his memoir. Though clear and generally concise, the text is fairly sophisticated. Illustrations, mostly black-and-white photos or reproductions of artwork depicting people and places, are featured in some articles. Jay Kinsbruner's The Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture (Gale, 2008) is fairly similar in scope and reading level.—Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR
Reviewed by Steven Engelfried , Aug 01, 2010
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