A Cultural History of Latin America brings together chapters from Volumes III, IV, and X of The Cambridge History of Latin America. The essays place Latin American literature, music and visual arts in historical context, from the early nineteenth century through the late twentieth century. Topics include narrative fiction and poetry; indigenous literatures and culture; the development of music, sculpture, painting, mural art, and architecture; and the history of Latin American film. Each chapter is accompanied by a bibliographical essay.

Martin Rivas, one of the most important novels by Alberto Blest Gana constitutes a clear example of the best chilean narrative tradition. Over the background of a frustrated liberal rebellion, amidst the growing opportunism of the political ruling class, the author sketches a love and social climb story, told with remarkable tact, equilibrium and vivacity. Province and capital, people and elite, french imitators and mixed race, romantics and social climbers, all make for and enliven a social picture of recognizable XIX Century hues. Martin Rivas is an entertaining whilst significative novel,...

A Cultural History of Latin America brings together chapters from Volumes III, IV, and X of The Cambridge History of Latin America. The essays place Latin American literature, music and visual arts in historical context, from the early nineteenth century through the late twentieth century. Topics include narrative fiction and poetry; indigenous literatures and culture; the development of music, sculpture, painting, mural art, and architecture; and the history of Latin American film. Each chapter is accompanied by a bibliographical essay.