From the first Latinos' arrival in pre-Columbian America to the Alamo, Santeria, Desi Arnaz, the exodus from Castro's Cuba, and the 2006 immigration rallies, this volume illuminates the most critical-and some not as well-known-events in Latino history. Chronological entries organized by subject explore categories such as Civil Rights and Protest, Arts & Music, Literature, Religion, Economics, and Legislation. Inclusive of all Latino subgroups, this accessible Chronology is the most current and concise reference source on the history of Latin Americans in the U.S., a must-read for students of Latino culture and American studies, past and present. Chronological entries organized by subject explore categories such as Civil Rights and Protests, Arts and Music, Literature, Religion, Economics, and Legislation. Illustrations of key political and cultural figures, barrios, rallies, and foods illuminate the events. Other helpful reference features include creative sidebars and a glossary including the most popular Spanish words in use in the U.S. as well as Spanglish terms. The Latino Chronolgy is the most current and concise reference source on the history of Latin Americans in the U.S., a must-read for students of Latino culture and American studies, past and present.

This riveting expose reveals how a distorted belief in Anglo superiority necessitated the rewriting of American western history, replacing heroic images of Mexican and Spanish cowboys with negative stereotypes. Early Anglo settlers in the Old West crafted negative images of Latinos in part to help justify the takeover of land occupied by Mexicans and Spaniards at the time. Unfortunately, these depictions were perpetuated throughout the 20th century in art, popular culture, and media ... eventually reshaping the narrative of the American West to the exclusion of the non-Anglo people. This book contrasts dominant lore with historical reality to provide a broad overview of the history and contributions of Latinos in the Old West. Author D. H. Figueredo sets out to debunk the myths and falsehoods of the American West by chronicling the cultural perceptions that led to such historical inaccuracies. Through spellbinding accounts, chapters address such topics as the legends behind the caballeros, Mexican culture in the Old West, and the search for cities of gold in the Southwest. Arranged chronologically and thematically, the book examines how popular culture diminished the role of the Mexican vaqueros and illustrates how the image of the Anglo cowboy became the iconic symbol of the Old West. Introduces topics unfamiliar to most readers, such as the role of Spanish-Mexican Jews, the presence of the Spanish Inquisition in the United States, and the real Yellow Rose of Texas Reveals the duplicity of la leyenda negra to illustrate prejudices of the time Traces the development of stereotypes such as the Black Legend, banditos, greasers, Zorro, the Cisco Kid, and "loose women," and how these characterizations came to depict Latinos in the Old West in the popular imagination Documents Latinos' participation in the conquest of the territory west of the Mississippi

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.

The Caribbean is a part of the world with diverse cultures and a long and fascinating literary tradition. The people of this region have endured through civil strife, poverty, natural disasters, and military conflicts; and their literature reflects their despair and dreams. Accessible to students and general readers, this encyclopedia overviews the lives and works of Caribbean authors. Because Caribbean literature is so much a reflection of regional concerns, the encyclopedia gives special attention to the political, cultural, and historical contexts in which Caribbean authors have lived and worked. To help with this massive endeavor, scholar and librarian Danilo H. Figueredo has assembled an impressive team of advisors and authors. Included in the encyclopedia are more than 700 alphabetically arranged entries written by more than 20 expert contributors. These entries cover authors, works, genres, historical and cultural figures, themes, and various special topics. Among the entries are pieces on: Anancy Stories Julia Alvarez Reinaldo Arenas Edward Kamau Brathwaite Fidel Castro Joseph Sickman Corsen Costumbrismo Dominican Republic, History of the Literature Exile Literature Feminism in Caribbean Literature Frantz Fanon A House for Mr. Biswas Immigrant Literature Edna Manley Samuel Selvon Spiralist Movement Ruben Suro Surrealism Nathaniel Weekes And many more. Features: Presents more than 700 alphabetically arranged entries. Accumulates the expertise of a distinguished advisory board and more than 20 expert contributors. Provides biographical entries on numerous authors and historical figures. Includes a wide range of topical entries on major works, genres, periods, styles, movements, historical events, and more. Cites print and electronic resources. Offers an alphabetical list of entries. Lists entries grouped in topical categories. Fully cross-references entries. Provides an extensive index. Includes a generous selection of illustrations. Closes with an extensive bibliography. Benefits: Introduces students to the literature, history, and culture of an area of vital interest to the United States. Helps students understand Caribbean history and politics through literature. Fosters a respect for cultural diversity. Gives attention to the influence and experiences of Caribbean writers in the United States. Helps students learn about major texts and authors central to the Spanish curriculum and to world literature. Serves as a model for students writing about literature. Familiarizes students with different styles, literary movements, and aesthetic concerns. Develops research skills by directing students to additional print and electronic resources. Spanish courses often look at literature from the Caribbean, and many American students trace their roots to that region. An essential reference for high school libraries, this resource will help students and teachers learn more about the literature of the Caribbean and its relation to the political, economic, historical, and social conditions of that area. Public libraries also need this encyclopedia, since many general readers are interested in Caribbean literature and culture.