The Cambridge Companion to Modern Latin American Culture

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.

• Wide-ranging introduction to modern Latin-American culture in all its variety • Offers essays by experts in the field on one of the most fast-developing and vibrant areas of the world • Accessible volume, written as invaluable introduction to appeal to students and scholars in a wide range of disciplines

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.

\'… 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