Books in Brief History series

A Brief History of Central America, Second Edition explores the history of the Central American isthmus from the pre-Columbian cultures to the contemporary nations that make up the region today: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. This second edition brings the history of the region up to date with new developments, including recent elections, the continued struggle with the aftermath of the civil wars, and the impact of the free trade agreement signed with the United States in 2003/2004.

Memories of lost pirates' treasure, daring rescues off the coast and prowling German U-boats linger amidst the dunes and sea grass of Rehoboth Beach. From modest beginnings as a religious retreat, the town has survived fierce storms and gales to blossom into a vibrant community and the nation's summer capital. With spirit and a touch of wry humor, Delmarva journalist Michael Morgan regales his audience with tales of intrepid explorers, brave guardians of the beach and ever-evolving trends in swimwear. Morgan invites his readers beyond the boardwalk to catch a glimpse of the true Rehoboth Beach.

A comprehensive history of Argentina, including its origins, culture, and future.Argentina has a population that ranks among the most educated and skilled in Latin America. Illiteracy scarcely exists among even the poor and working-class citizens, and Argentina's middle class has historically been large and politically engaged. Yet this country remains mired in economic instability, chronic unemployment, strict class divisions, and political corruption. Juan Peron's attempts to establish a democracy were all but erased during the militaristic Dirty War, and the last three elected presidents did little to raise the morale of their country. Still, Argentine citizens refuse to accept their current conditions. Prosecutors, victims, and families of victims remain determined to address the injustices and tyranny that occurred during the Dirty War and the two-decade silence that followed. Additionally, in a significant demonstration of progress, Argentines elected a woman president for the first time in October 2007. Spanning more than 12,000 years of history, A Brief History of Argentina, Second Edition thoroughly and comprehensively explores these issues and discusses how they will affect Argentina's future. Coverage includes:-A comprehensive summary of Argentina's diverse geography and its varied natural resources -The origins of the deep-seated practices of discrimination, which continue today -The effects of neoliberalism on Argentina's large working class and urban poor, culminating in the caserola movement, the piqueteros movement, and the birth of the cartoneros -The impact a changing global economy has had within Argentina's borders -The rich culture of Argentina, which has created five Nobel laureates, vibrant cities that draw millions of tourists annually, and sports teams that have won multiple world championships.

In two centuries, La Purísima Concepción went from a fledgling frontier mission to a renowned California State Historic Park. Once home to many Spanish soldiers, settlers and hundreds of Chumash Indians, La Purísima held the seat of the California Mission government under Father Mariano Payeras. It withstood catastrophic events, including widespread disease in early years and a great Southern California earthquake in 1812. Emerging from ruins for the last time in 1934, after restoration by the Civilian Conservation Corps, structures appear today as they did in the early nineteenth century. The uniquely restored California Mission complex operates as a state park in a pastoral setting. Author and archivist Michael R. Hardwick chronicles the story of La Purísima and the resilient people and culture that made a lasting influence.

A Brief History of the Caribbean is an overview of the historical events that have taken place and shaped the islands of the Caribbean Sea - beginning with an account of the indigenous populations before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and ending with the major political and economic developments in early 2007 in Aruba, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, among others.The historical perspective is enriched by allusions to the culture, manners, and morals of particular periods, often highlighting the connection between literary activities and politics, such as the Negritude Movement, and literary figures and politicians, such as Juan Bosch in the Dominican Republic. Complementing the narrative are sidebars with important and unusual information on topics such as women pirates, meals eaten by slaves, and the cultural preference for strong leaders in the region. The authors attempt to give readers a multicultural perspective that will allow them to understand events from both an insider's and an outsider's viewpoints.

An up-to-date look at the political isolation, war, and anarchy that distinguish Afghanistan's history.Praise for the previous hardcover edition:"...very thorough...This work is a good choice for those wanting to familiarize themselves with the roots of the current conflict, and a handy reference for basic information on Afghanistan. Recommended."—Choice"Recommended..."—Library JournalAfghanistan has long been considered a remote and uninviting country to all but its closest neighbors. This lightly populated agricultural and pastoral nation has guarded its independence in the age of European imperialism thanks in large part to its limited perceived value. Political isolation—reinforced by a conservative tribal culture—kept most of the cultural and economic changes of the modern world at bay. Slowly, however, modern ways and values began to penetrate into the capital city of Kabul.A Brief History of Afghanistan examines this country's isolation and how it found itself involved in 30 years of war and anarchy. This resource provides extensive background information so readers can understand the issues and make informed judgments of their own. Offering a clear, concise account of this country's historical and cultural heritage, from 3000 BCE to the present, this insightful book explores the culture and politics of the Pashtun tribes whose homeland extends across much of Afghanistan and northern Pakistan, as well as the Taliban insurgency and the relationship between local leaders and the central government in Kabul.Coverage includes:From the rise of Islam to the Afghan state The birth of modern Afghanistan Twentieth-century monarchy Two revolutions Soviet Afghanistan Afghanistan in rebellion Mujahideen rule The Taliban era Afghanistan under KarzaiThe Taliban resurgence.

Praise for the previous editions: "Recommended."--Choice "Recommended..."--Reference & Research Book NewsIsrael is a modern country with a short history set into the lengthy story of Jewish history. A Brief History of Israel, Third Edition explores that history with an emphasis on the period since Israel's independence in 1948. It is a complex story of a people and their modern state, established thousands of years after the destruction of the old one. The story of the independent state of Israel is narrated against the backdrop of exile, anti-Semitism, Zionism, and the Holocaust--all of which have helped shape the nature of the current state.The chronological narration begins with the time of Abraham and the period of the Israelite kingdoms and continues to World War II and the United Nations Partition Plan. A Brief History of Israel, Third Edition explores the independent country of Israel, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, domestic politics, the economy, and international relations. Completely up-to-date, this edition features a new preface, introduction, and final chapter, and revised and updated appendixes.Coverage includes: -The period since Israel's independence in 1948 -The Middle East peace process Hamas's election victory and its effect on Israel -The 2009 election won by Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud Party -Israel's relationship with the Obama administration -The Arab Spring and its effects.

Move over Project Runway. Get ready to chuckle your way through centuries of fashion dos and don'ts! In this humorous and approachable narrative, kids will learn about outrageous, politically-perilous, funky, disgusting, regrettable, and life-threatening creations people have worn throughout the course of human history, all the way up to the present day. From spats and togas to hoop skirts and hair shirts, why people wore what they did is an illuminating way to look at the social, economic, political, and moral climates throughout history.