History of Puerto Rico
January 9, 2008 10:38 AM Subscribe
I am looking for a comprehensive history of Puerto Rico. Any recommendations?
I just visited Puerto Rico, fell in love with the island, but also realized I know little about the islands history. I would ideally like to get a history that brings spans from the beginnings and brings you as close to the present as possible. I would appreciate any recommendations.
I just visited Puerto Rico, fell in love with the island, but also realized I know little about the islands history. I would ideally like to get a history that brings spans from the beginnings and brings you as close to the present as possible. I would appreciate any recommendations.
You might check out America's Colony by Pedro Malavet.
posted by mattbucher at 11:32 AM on January 9, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by mattbucher at 11:32 AM on January 9, 2008 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks very much DrGirlfriend and mattbucher. I'll check these out.
posted by philmas at 7:17 AM on January 10, 2008
posted by philmas at 7:17 AM on January 10, 2008
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I would suggest starting with Puerto Rico: A Political and Cultural History, by Arturo Morales Carrión. When I attended high school (in Puerto Rico), our PR history teacher used this as a textbook. It's not really a textbook, but it served the purpose well, as it gave a comprehensive background.
A bit denser and more geared towards our economy, there is Economic History of Puerto Rico by James Dietz. I think the history of our economy says a great deal about our history as a whole.
A lot of the other books I can think of are meant for someone with a bit more knowledge and grasp of the socio-cultural situation in the island, and sometimes they come packed with some baggage. So I hesitate to recommend them to someone just starting out.
I am puertorriqueña, feel free to mefi-mail me. PR and its history is one of my favorite subjects. :)
posted by DrGirlfriend at 10:50 AM on January 9, 2008 [1 favorite]