Historia General de Guatemala (review)

This mammoth undertaking was directed by the very able Guatemalan historian, Jorge Luján Muñoz, a group of volume editors and numerous national, regional, and foreign contributors. Begun during a terrible civil war, this ambitious history began to be published as the war wound down and was only completed after the Peace Accords were signed in 1996. Some respected authors turned down invitations to contribute for reasons of ideology and principal but substitute authors were found who were willing to participate. One might not agree with all the points of view expressed because authors of many ethnic, political, and national backgrounds participated in this national history. Overall (with the admission that I contributed five chapters to the collection) this is a very accomplished and handsome project.

Unfortunately, the foundation does not make any shipments outside Guatemala and credit card purchases must be done in person. One may, however, pay with a check (payable to Fundacion para la Cultura y el Desarrollo) sent to the following address: Fundación para la Cultura y el Desarrollo, 9a Calle 2-75 y 3a Avenida, Esquina, Zona 1, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala, Central America. Telephone: (502)-250-0216; 250-0218; 250-0219. Fax: (502)-232-5508. E-mail: amigos@guate.net.gt