HISP 452 - Puerto Rico Post-Mortem: Nation, Identity, and Language in a Non-Sovereign Territory : Finding Books & Background Sources

Hilda Lloréns offers a ground-breaking study of images--photographs, postcards, paintings, posters, and films--about Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans made by American and Puerto Rican image-makers between 1890 and 1990. Through illuminating discussions of artists, images, and social events, the book offers a critical analysis of the power-laden cultural and historic junctures imbricated in the creation of re-presentations of Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans by Americans ("outsiders") and Puerto Ricans ("insiders") during an historical epoch marked by the twin concepts of "modernization" and "progress."

Jorell Meléndez-Badillo provides a new history of Puerto Rico that gives voice to the archipelago's people while offering a lens through which to understand the political, economic, and social challenges confronting them today. Meléndez-Badillo also sheds light on the vibrant cultures of the archipelago in the centuries before the arrival of Columbus and captures the full sweep of Puerto Rico's turbulent history in the centuries that followed, from the first indigenous insurrection against colonial rule in 1511--led by the powerful chieftain Agüeybaná II--to the establishment of the Commonwealth in 1952.

Highlighting both well-known and forgotten figures from Puerto Rican history, Ayala and Bernabe discuss a wide range of topics, including literary and cultural debates and social and labor struggles that previous histories have neglected. Although the island's political economy remains dependent on the United States, the authors also discuss Puerto Rico's situation in light of world economies.

From African roots to El Yunque (Puerto Rico's tropical rain forest), this encyclopedia offers nearly 300 substantive entries on important people, places, events, social and political issues, legislation, movements and organizations, and terms and concepts. Entries underscore the history, achievements, and creations of the Puerto Rican people. Each entry concludes with a short list of suggested reading for further information.