Suchergebnisse

When Pedro de Alvarado founded Guatemala in 1524, he conquered the remnants of one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations, the Maya. But Spain was only the first of the powerful nations which have exploited Guatemala throughout nearly all of its history. Following three centuries of Spanish rule, Guatemala received its independence but soon developed into a 'banana republic', economically dependent on foreign fruit companies. Finally, after a brief attempt at self-determining government, the nation becam politically and economically allied to the USA as a part of the US anti-communist policy in Central America. In recent years Guatemala has been afflicted by a growing polarity between left and right and by the political terror which characterizes so many neighbouring nations. This bibliography covers all of the many facets of Guatemala: the variety and beauty of its physical setting, the archaeological mysteries of the ancient Maya and the drama of the present-day struggles. The exceptionally descriptive annotations help to guide the reader through all the intricacies of this little-studied nation. This is the only up-to-date bibliography devoted to Guatemala, and it will be an essential reference source for anyone seeking an understanding of the region.