The Cambridge Companion to Modern Latin American Culture

An introduction to the history, politics, art and literature of modern Latin America.

John King (Edited by)

9780521636513, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 1 April 2004

384 pages, 10 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.4 x 2.6 cm, 0.608 kg

'… no exception to the high standard we have come to expect from this series. … deserves a place on both library shelves and the shelves of the serious student.' Reference Reviews

The term Latin America refers to the Portuguese and Spanish-speaking states created in the early 1820s following the wars of independence, states that differed enormously in geographical and demographical scale, ethnic composition and economic resources, yet shared distinct historical and cultural traits. Specially-commissioned essays by leading experts explore the unity and diversity of the region's cultural expressions. These essays analyse history and politics from the nineteenth century to the present day and consider the heritage of pre-Columbian and Colonial Latin America. There is a particular focus on narrative as well as on poetry, art and architecture, music, cinema, theatre, and broader issues of popular culture. A final chapter looks at the strong and rapidly expanding influence of latino/a culture in the United States. A chronology and guides to further reading are included, making this volume an invaluable introduction to the rich and varied culture of modern Latin America.

List of illustrations
Notes on contributors
Acknowledgements
Notes on translations
Chronology of major events
Map 1: Latin America, 1830
Map 2: Latin America, 2000
Introduction John King
1. Pre-Columbian and colonial Latin America Anthony McFarlane
2. Latin America since independence James Dunkerley
3. Spanish American narrative, 1810–1920 Gwen Kirkpatrick
4. Spanish American narrative, 1920–1970 Jason Wilson
5. Spanish American narrative since 1970 Gerald Martin
6. Brazilian narrative Randal Johnson
7. Latin American poetry William Rowe
8. Popular culture in Latin America Vivian Schelling
9. Art and architecture in Latin America Valerie Fraser
10. Tradition and transformation in Latin American music Catherine den Tandt and Richard Young
11. The theatre space in Latin America Catherine Boyle
12. Cinema in Latin America John King
13. Hispanic USA: literature, music and language Ilan Stavans
Index.

Subject Areas: Cultural studies [JFC], Literary studies: general [DSB]