Central America: A Natural and Cultural History [Hardcover]

Mr. Anthony G. Coates (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 17, 1998

As a bridge between North and South America, Central America has a natural history and a singular geographic and geopolitical position. It separates two different continental faunas and two tropical oceans. It has also linked two contrasting groups of pre-Columbian cultures and witnessed the mingling of the American and European civilizations after Spanish colonization, developments that have led to an array of political and social patterns among the seven nations in the region. This book provides an investigation of both the natural and human history of Central America. The book is one outcome of the Paseo Pantera project, an international conservation effort dedicated to fostering a system of interconnected and protected natural corridors throughout the Central American isthmus. Written by authorities in the field, it discusses the geological origins of the isthmus; the mosaic of landscapes that make it such a diverse and complex region; the differences that contrast the Pacific and Caribbean; the importance of Central American corridors and barriers for terrestrial organisms (including humans) and marine life; native people and cultures during pre-Columbian and colonial times; colonization; the postcolonial period and independence; the status of the native Indian peoples and their lands; and regional conservation issues for the 21st century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Scarred by a 'violent and complex past,' the geological, biological and cultural patchwork called Central America barely hangs together today. Editor Anthony G. Coates and the assembled authors of Central America are passionately worried about every piece of the crazy quilt, from failing coral reef systems to the booming human populations that push onto failing lands, triggering political instability and environmental disaster. Now in paper, their book is a call to research, education and action-and a splendid illustrated guidebook to the troubled corridor that links the Americas. -- American Scientist

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (February 17, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300068298
• ISBN-13: 978-0300068290
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,486,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great overview, April 7, 2001

By 

Tomas Mendizabal (Panama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Central America: A Natural and Cultural History (Paperback)

This little book is an excellent review of Central American everything, from the time it emerged from the sea, to the current environmental and social problems affecting the region. The articles are written in almost a chronological order, by experts in their respective fields. The only think I would criticise is that it is too short for such a fascinating topic. Definitely worth the money.