For decade the Falashas - the Black Jews of Ethiopia - have fascinated scholars. Are they really Jews and in what sense? How can their origins be explained? Since the Falashas' transfer to Israel in the much publicised Israeli air lifts the fascination has continued and and new factors are now being discussed.

Written by the leading scholars in the field the essays in this collection examine the history, music, art, anthropology and current situations of the Ethopian Jews. Issues examined include their integration into Middle Eastern society, contacts between the Falasha and the...

"Cuba: A Global Studies Handbook" offers a revealing look at a nation that, in its ongoing pursuit of freedom, has been a colonial pawn, a neocolonial paradise for corrupt politicians and dictators, an alluring vacation destination, a defiant Communist holdout and embarrassing thorn in the side of the powerful United States.

Drawing heavily on his own research and experiences on the island, the author follows Cuba's political, economic, and sociocultural development from the pre-Columbian period to the present--with an emphasis on the revolutionary period. The book's reference section...

"Argentina: A Global Studies Handbook" is a revealing look at South America's second largest nation, providing an interdisciplinary introduction to the country's economy, history, geography, politics, government, society, and culture.

"Argentina" spans over five centuries of the nation's evolution--from the arrival of the conquistadors through the years of revolution and independence, from the Peron era and the often difficult post-Peron transitioning, to the surprising success of current president Nestor Kirchner. The book features both narrative chapters on the country's history and...

"Costa Rica: A Global Studies Handbook" offers readers an authoritative tour of a remarkable country, tracing its historical development from pre-Colombian inhabitants and Spanish colonization through rising prosperity in the mid-19th century to current struggles to define itself economically and politically.

"Costa Rica" combines narrative chapters on the nation's history and the current state of its political, social, and cultural institutions with alphabetically organized entries covering important people, places, and events in its development. Throughout, the authors, drawing on...

"Brazil: A Global Studies Handbook" provides an easy-to-access, multifaceted introduction to the world's fifth largest nation--a staggeringly diverse region, socially and geographically, that remains relatively unknown even as it becomes increasingly important on the world stage.

"Brazil" offers an expert chronological narrative summary of over five centuries of South America's largest country--from the days of early Portuguese exploration to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's reelection. In addition, it provides a richly informative section of alphabetically organized entries...

"Mexico: A Global Studies Handbook" is an ideal introduction to the United States' southern neighbor for students, travelers, businesspeople, or other interested readers. It debunks a variety of myths and misconceptions that have evolved over time, clarifying the realities of both historic and contemporary Mexico.

"Mexico" offers an authoritative yet engaging tour of Mexican history and geography, as well its current economic and business climate, governmental structure, popular culture, and society. It also provides an alphabetically organized "mini-encyclopedia" for quick access to...