Bolivia: The Evolution of a Multi-Ethnic Society (Latin American Histories) [Paperback]

Herbert S. Klein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 16, 1992 | ISBN-10: 019505735X | ISBN-13: 978-0195057355 | Edition: 2

Herbert Klein's Bolivia offered the first modern historical survey in English of this important nation. The second edition of this now-standard source has been updated to cover events of the last turbulent decade of political and economic change. It includes a completely new final chapter and an updated bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Best, and only, general text on Bolivia. It is exceptional in its interpretation and clarity. A must for any student of the Andean countries."--Sonny Davis, Western State College of Colorado

"The best survey on Bolivian history published until now. Recommendable for both students and teachers."--Enrique Sermo, University of New Mexico

"Interestingly written, well done, appropriate for both graduate and undergraduate students."--Robert D. Talbott, University of Northern Iowa

"Shows the diverse texture of society from pre-Columbian to recent times. Particularly useful is the discussion of the complex evolution of Bolivian politics since the 1952 Revolution."--John L. Rector, Western Oregon State College

"Still the most comprehensive history of Bolivia from pre-Columbian times to 1990. Especially valuable are the last three chapters."--Oakah L. Jones, Purdue University

"Provides quite a valuable overview of the history of what is now Bolivia."--Anthony Christopher Auriemma, University of California, Santa Cruz

"Good, basic text."--Ann Wightman, Wesleyan University Studies

"Superb. A much-needed work by a naster of the subject."--Eugene G. SHarkey, Westminster College

"Still the best synthesis of Bolivian history. The update of the second edition was necessary and is extremely useful, including the extension of the bibliographical essay."--Christine Hunefezde, University of California, San Diego

"Excellent synthesis of Bolivian history....Highly recommended for those interested in the history of that tortured nation. Must for all libraries."--Ray Doyle, West Chester University

About the Author

Herbert S. Klein is at Columbia University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (April 16, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019505735X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195057355
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,826,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great at what it does, but not a social history, June 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Bolivia: The Evolution of a Multi-Ethnic Society (Latin American Histories) (Paperback)

The subtitle of this book, "the evolution of a multi-ethnic society" led me to believe that this would be more of social history than it actually was. It is very well-written and readable, which is particularly commendable since it primarily concerns questions of government and economics: who was in power when, what they did, and how many tons of tin bolivia was exporting at the time. That's slightly exagerated, as the author also very *briefly* discusses developments of early bolivia art, architecture, and literature, and mentions changes in relations between 'white', 'cholo', and 'indian' segments of the population.

This is the second edition, published in 1992; I would love to read the third edition, updated to include public uprising against neo-liberalism as in the recent controversy over privatization of the public water service.

This is an excellent book as long as it is judged by its own goals; however, if you are looking for more social analysis of this 'multi-ethnic society', you'll have to supplement this book with additional reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing Bolivian history, February 19, 2010

By 

Luis F. Anterzana "Plain Luis" (Mercer Island, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bolivia: The Evolution of a Multi-Ethnic Society (Latin American Histories) (Paperback)

This book represents a very conscientious work on the part of the author. In the past history of Bolivia was confined to bolivian authors who wrote at their convenience based mostly on the assumptions and not necessarily based on facts. Their research was probably limited to verbal information gathered from older folks who had received those bits from older folks who assed on.

This book is clearly based on well researched facts gathered from sources outside Bolivia including libraries and government archives that are presently open to researchers. The result is a refreshing wind of information that one, as a bolivian, had not ever had the chance to know closer to the truth.

I am ever so glad the author went to the trouble of writing it. I for one will make a strong case for every Bolivian youth to read it.


Thank you, LFA