Despite the great diversity within the Latin America, there is a common theme that characterizes the sweep of history in the region. The original author of the text, E. Bradford Burns, phrased the problem as the paradox that poor people inhabit rich lands. The reason for the paradox is that a tiny group of elites confuses the nation's well-being with their own. 

When this text was first published in 1972, there were very few texts on Latin America, and the ones that existed largely read like catalogs of historical events.  There are others now, but this textbook is still a leader in the market because of its clear thematic organization, a central narrative that tells a single story, albeit with many variations.

Co-author Julie A. Charlip is very committed to continuing his legacy.   Despite changes in research, interpretations, theories, etc., his basic premise is still the most accurate and succinct, providing the best framework for approaching the region.