This work aims to help the student, scholar or general reader understand the many issues involved in saving Latin America's endangered rainforests. The salvage of this vast ecosystem - so necessary for survival on this planet - depends upon recognition of the complex interplay of political and economic interests which have led to the forest's almost-inevitable destruction. The 30 articles are culled from many different fields, including natural history, sociology, history, anthropology, economics and fiction. They are divided into four parts: perceptions (of the rainforest); explanations (of the destruction of the rainforests); why save the rainforest?; and prospects for development (alternative futures for the rainforest). The author's introduction and notes preceding each article provide an organised context for each essay.