Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society (Latin American Histories) [Paperback]

Frank Safford (Author), Marco Palacios (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 21, 2001 | ISBN-10: 019504617X | ISBN-13: 978-0195046175

Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society is a comprehensive history of the third most populous country of Latin America. It offers the most extensive discussion available in English of the whole of Colombian history-from pre-Columbian times to the present. The book begins with an in-depth look at the earliest years in Colombia's history, emphasizing the role geography played in shaping Colombia's economy, society, and politics and in encouraging the growth of distinctive regional cultures and identities. It includes a thorough discussion of Colombian politics that looks at the ways in which historical memory has affected political choices, particularly in the formation and development of the country's two traditional political parties. The authors explore the factors that have contributed to Colombia's economic troubles, such as the delay in its national economic integration and its relative ineffectiveness as an exporter. The three concluding chapters offer an authoritative and up-to-date examination of the impact of coffee on Colombia's economy and society, the social and political effects of urban growth, and the multiple dimensions of the violence that has plagued the country since 1946. Written in clear, vigorous prose, Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society is essential for students of Latin American history and politics, and for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the history of this fascinating and tumultuous country.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is solid, well-informed political and economic history of a traditional sort...will help remedy the misunderstanding and scholarly neglect of Colombia so often lamented by Colombianists." --The Americas

"A first rate survey."--Choice

"Safford and Palacios' book is the best single volume introduction to the history of Colombia. The authors provide an intelligent, sophisticated and accessible synthesis that is a pleasure to read. It is ideal for classroom use."--Lyman L. Johnson, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

About the Author

Frank Safford is at Northwestern University. Marco Palacios is at El Colegio de Mexico.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019504617X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195046175
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #658,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable historical source, December 13, 2003

By 

Peter Larose (Vancouver, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society (Latin American Histories) (Paperback)

Most academics in the field concede that this is the most comprehensive single-source on Colombia's history. The work on the 19th Century is particularly strong. My only misgiving is that the contemporary period is somewhat thin, and as such some of the present debates are about especially the armed groups are not as detailed as they could be. That said, this should be the starting point for anyone wishing to study Colombian history from pre-independence to the end of the National Front (1974).

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive accounting of the crisis in Colombia, September 21, 2001

By 

Bert Ruiz "Author" (Pleasantville, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society (Latin American Histories) (Hardcover)

A brilliant book...well written and meticulously researched. "Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society" easily exceeds the legendary work of American graybeard...David Bushnell. This book is essential reading for anyone attempting to obtain a special competence in Colombian affairs. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction, February 22, 2009

By 

Jair Ojeda Joya (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society (Latin American Histories) (Paperback)

For those interested in Colombia's history this book is an excellent introduction to the most important facts and literature. I think this book explains all facts with a very nice balance between economics and politics. It is recommended for all those interested in understanding the challenges of development in Latin America.

There is also an edition in Spanish.