Celso Furtado Libri

Covering the evolution of Latin American economy and society from colonial times to the military regime in Chile, this introductory survey offers an expanded historical perspective in its second edition. Key events since the Cuban Revolution, including agrarian reforms in Peru and Chile, challenges faced by the Central America Common Market and LAFTA, as well as Brazil's industrialization and Cuba's economic consolidation, are examined. Additionally, updated statistical and demographic data extend to the early 1970s and 1975, respectively.

This classic work critiques dependency theory in Latin America, arguing that the notion of development is a myth that misleads countries into prioritizing narrow economic factors over human well-being. It warns of the environmental costs of development and emphasizes the need for alternative life forms better suited to local conditions.