Product Description

Guatemala is the most "Indian" of Central American nations, and Mayan culture permeates many aspects of language, dress and artistic expression. "Guatemala in Focus" is an authoritative and up-to-date guide to this wonderful country. It explores the land, history and politics, economy, society and people, culture and includes tips on where to go and what to see. Photos and maps.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #100465 in Books
• Published on: 1999-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 94 pages

From Library Journal
Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala are the main focus of these new, brightly colored travel books. Moving away from the usual tourist spots, these books provide an in-depth look into the heart of the land and people of these Caribbean countries. Uniform in design, the books are divided into chapters describing the history, politics, culture, economy, and society of each country. Coverage of up-to-date topics such as healthcare, racial equality, peace processes, and environmental concerns in the Amazon rainforest is informative and well researched. Practical advice, further readings, and useful addresses along with nontourist travel information are listed at the end of each volume. Factual and easy to read, these slim travel books are a great resource for students and scholars of the Caribbean.AStephanie Papa, Baltimore Cty. Circuit Court Lib., Towson, MD
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

quick & informative
We are adopting from Guatemala and have been desperate to find books to read on the country & culture. This offered a quick glance into the specifics of the country: a brief history, economy, politics, religion, the people, etc. Very good for a general overview of Guatemala. I would recommend to any adopting parent that is going there!

Guatemala from the eyes of a concerned American
Seldom have I seen such an easy read which is a concise, accurate, and to-the-point review of the Guatemalan Maya and their progeny from the Classic Period to the 1990s. In the interests of brevity, early cultural history is scanned, but the essential information is covered from 209 AD to the entrada of the Spanish Conquistadors led by the cruel Pedro de Alvarado and continuing through the multiple exploitations that occurred to recent days. The role of the United Fruit Company, the military, and the CIA are discussed frankly. Topics of the economy and society are succinctly covered as are current religious practices with the syncretism of the Catholic, Mayan, and the encroaching protestant sects. Visit Guatemala and you will know that these tough, resilient people, both Mayan and Ladino, are not to be denied. While there, visit with individuals who survived the Civil War and hear their stories. You can not help but become a sympathetic traveler, not just a tourist.

Volums have been written about the turmoil in Guatemala and elsewhere in Central America, but if your time is limited, here is a helpful shortcut.

nice and to the point
i'm adopting a child from guatemala soon and wanted to get a good, general overview of the country. it's an easy read and i learned enough to be dangerous....