- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Harbour (May 26 2006)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1550173251
- ISBN-13: 978-1550173253
- Product Dimensions: 20.6 x 13.4 x 1.6 cm
- Shipping Weight: 322 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#580,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #14 in Books > History > Americas > Central America > Belize
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Details |
Product Description
Product Description
Tiny, island-dotted Belize, perched on the Caribbean, south of Mexico and east of Guatemala, is a fascinating blend of Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, English, East Indian, Mennonite, Lebanese and Chinese cultures. With its colonial background (English remains the official language) and a history of fending off its Latin neighbours, Belize has emerged as a relatively stable democracy that is as much Caribbean as it is Central American.
In Understanding Belize, Alan Twigg tells the story of the country, from its bizarre early days as a haven for pirates, through its colonial period as British Honduras, to its new status as an ecotourism mecca and a hotspot for Mayan archaeology. This lively history includes original photos, a comprehensive timeline and a feature on nation founder George Price, the longest serving democratically elected leader in history.
Understanding Belize is an eye-opening alternative to the glossy tourist brochures. Lobster-and-orchid-rich Belize looks great from a hammock on Ambergris Caye, the place that inspired Madonna's song "La Isla Bonita," but don't go buying that seaside lot until you learn more about this beautiful--but problematic--paradise from the author of Cuba: A Concise History for Travellers.
In Understanding Belize, Alan Twigg tells the story of the country, from its bizarre early days as a haven for pirates, through its colonial period as British Honduras, to its new status as an ecotourism mecca and a hotspot for Mayan archaeology. This lively history includes original photos, a comprehensive timeline and a feature on nation founder George Price, the longest serving democratically elected leader in history.
Understanding Belize is an eye-opening alternative to the glossy tourist brochures. Lobster-and-orchid-rich Belize looks great from a hammock on Ambergris Caye, the place that inspired Madonna's song "La Isla Bonita," but don't go buying that seaside lot until you learn more about this beautiful--but problematic--paradise from the author of Cuba: A Concise History for Travellers.
About the Author
Alan Twigg is the publisher and editor of BC Book World, Canada's largest-circulating publication about books. He has also been contributing editor of Quill & Quire, Canadian books columnist for the Vancouver Province, books columnist for Vancouver magazine, a contributor of profiles to the Toronto Star and the Writers Union of Canada representative on the board of directors of the Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing. In 2000, he was the first recipient of the Gray Campbell Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contibutions to literature and publishing.
Alan is the author of ten previous titles including For Openers: Conversations with 24 Canadian Writers, Hubert Evans: The First Ninety-Three Years, Vancouver and Its Writers, Vander Zalm: from Immigrant to Premier, First Invaders: The Literary Origins of British Columbia and Cuba: 101 Top Historical Sites.
Alan is the author of ten previous titles including For Openers: Conversations with 24 Canadian Writers, Hubert Evans: The First Ninety-Three Years, Vancouver and Its Writers, Vander Zalm: from Immigrant to Premier, First Invaders: The Literary Origins of British Columbia and Cuba: 101 Top Historical Sites.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Understanding Belize,
By
This review is from: Understanding Belize: A Historical Guide (Paperback)
I emailed you a review of this book two weeks ago. Why was it not posted?Jim Hodgins Toronto, Ontario
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews) 12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Will appeal not just to travelers, but to any interested,
By Midwest Book Review - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Understanding Belize: A Historical Guide (Paperback)
Plenty of travel guides cover Belize; but much fewer narrow the focus to its history and culture. UNDERSTANDING BELIZE tells the story of the country, from its early days as a haven for pirates through its current attraction as an ecotourism focal point. Black and white photos and a timeline accompany a rare survey of the nation that will appeal not just to travelers, but to any interested in the individual histories and evolution of the South American countries.Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Rare resource that is well researched,
By JunkyardWisdom "JunkyardWisdom" - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Understanding Belize: A Historical Guide (Paperback)
It is hard to find solid information about Belize, and this book has pulled together a wealth of resources. Well researched and seemingly unbiased. Enjoyed the balance of focus on the various elements of Belize -- Mayan, Colonial, Spanish, Creole, etc. I'd give it a 5th star but there are times when the writing can be abrupt and perhaps a bit choppy. Still, if you want a book about Belize, this is the best I've found.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertainingly educational,
By recycled hippie - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Understanding Belize: A Historical Guide (Paperback)
Fabulously written in witty, easy-to-understand language. A fun yet highly informational read. I might have majored in history had he written the text!
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