In Focus Guatemala: A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture [Paperback]

Trish O'Kane (Author)

Book Description

Series: In Focus Guides | Publication Date: December 1998

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 94 pages
• Publisher: Latin America Bureau (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566562422
• ISBN-13: 978-1566562423
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #849,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great overview of Guatemala's history and culture, February 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: In Focus Guatemala: A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture (Paperback)

This title offers an easily readable introduction to Guatemala. It is great for the first-time traveler to Guatemala who wants to understand the modern country in the context of its history and culture. It explains the current status of Guatemala and its uneasy balance between the remaining Mayan culture and the ladinos. The book is a quick and enjoyable read--truly a great orientation. It also points out how the intrusion of the U.S. CIA interrupted Guatemala's transition toward agrarian reform--an eye opener for me, anyway. Read and learn!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guatemala from the eyes of a concerned American, March 17, 2006

By 

Shirley M. Barnes "Culturally Curious" (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Focus Guatemala: A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture (Paperback)

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.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars nice and to the point, August 8, 2005

By 

just me "just me" (denver, co usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Focus Guatemala: A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture (Paperback)

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....