The Economic History of Latin America since Independence (Cambridge Latin American Studies) [Hardcover]

Victor Bulmer-Thomas (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521825679 | ISBN-13: 978-0521825672 | Publication Date: August 4, 2003 | Edition: 2

This book covers the economic history of Latin America from independence in the 1820s to the present. It stresses the differences between Latin American countries while recognizing the similar external influences to which the region has been subject. Victor Bulmer-Thomas notes the failure of the region to close the gap in living standards between it and the United States and explores the reasons. He also examines the new paradigm taking shape in Latin America since the debt crisis of the 1980s and asks whether this new economic model will be able to bring the growth and equity that the region desperately needs. First Edition Hb (1995): 0-521-36329-2 First Edition Pb (1995): 0-521-36872-3

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Victor Bulmer-Thomas wished to write a survey of the economic history of Latin America in the two centuries since the region achieved independence. In the goal he has succeeded admirably." American Historical Review

Book Description

The Economic History of Latin America Since Independence tells the story of promise unfulfilled. Despite the region's abundance of natural resources and a favorable ratio of land to labor, not a single republic of Latin America has achieved the status of a developed country after nearly two cent uries free of colonial rule. If anything, the gap between living standards in Latin America and the developed countries has steadily widened since the early nineteenth century. Burdened with the legacy of colonialism and its unequal distribution of resources, Latin America is still a peripheral region in which external influences remain preeminent.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 506 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (August 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521825679
• ISBN-13: 978-0521825672
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,011,494 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Economic History of Latin America Since Independence, February 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Economic History of Latin America since Independence (Cambridge Latin American Studies) (Paperback)

Not a single Latin American republic has achieved the status of developed nation after nearly two hundred years from colonial rule. The vast abundance of land, labor and natural resources has not delivered the long-awaited fruits of economic growth and economic development. Victor Bulmer-Thomas provides in this book an excepcionally detailled and balanced account of the factors that affect economic progress until the initial period of implementation of market-oriented reforms. It is in summary, an incomparable source of economic history information for those in love with the Latin American region. For a complete understanding of all the materials contained in the book, certain economic background is advisable.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely 5 Stars, June 17, 2007

By 

A Student of History (Earth) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Economic History of Latin America since Independence (Cambridge Latin American Studies) (Paperback)

I confirm the five star reviews of this book. This is economic history at its best: lucid and highly informative with well constructed and convincing arguments. Bulmer-Thomas is able to cover two hundred years of the economic history of the entire region, which is no small task. This work cuts no corners; Bulmer-Thomas commands the subject. Any student of Latin America or economic history should read this book.

3 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too Dense, March 7, 2008

By 

Al Gore's Buddy "Green power" (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Economic History of Latin America since Independence (Cambridge Latin American Studies) (Paperback)

I'm an activist for social justice, and a fan of progressive whole cost economists like Herman Daly, David Ellerman, and Michel Aglietta. I found this work so dense and dry that it was extremely slow going and difficult to absorb. It is a macroeconomic work.
It lacks any highly detailed discussions to convey greater clarity and supply a fuller perspective, something I look for in history since I am trying to connect it to microeconomics and the larger sociopolitical context and ultimately environmental and justice issues.