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Home / Travel Tips

Latin American History Books

Travel Tips Last Updated · Jan 20th, 2023 · Layer Culture

Are you on the lookout for the best Latin American history books?

latin america books
Looking for books about Latin American History?

Quick Answer: Latin American History Books

  • Forgotten Continent – Excellent Well Detailed Social Content
  • Che Guevara’s Life Story – Learn About Che the Legend
  • The History of Violence – Understand Latin American Reality
  • Harvest For The Empire – Great for Understanding Latin Culture
  • Travel Buyers Guide – Best Latin American History Books

Many people know Mexico from the fact that it has such a needlessly bad reputation. From the drug cartels to the murder rates, few nations are written off quite so explicitly as Mexico is.

Table of Contents

  • Latin American History Books
    • Learning about Latin America
  • History of Latin American Books
    • The Penguin History of Latin America
    • Forgotten Continent
    • Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life
    • Born in Blood and Fire
    • Between Legitimacy and Violence: A History of Colombia
    • A History of Violence: Living and Dying in Central America
    • Afro-Latin America, 1800-2000
    • Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America
  • Latin American History Books
    • Want More Latin America Inspiration?

Latin American History Books

As one of the most stunning parts of the world, Latin America has provided us with some of the most famous people – and moments – in human history.

Where, though, can you find the best Latin American history books?

Learning about Latin America

As a part of the wider Americas, Latin America takes in some very interesting parts of history.

Typically, Latin America refers to countries where languages such as Portuguese and Spanish are most predominantly spoken.

The most common nations that are linked to being part of Latin America include various nations.

However, Latin America is a lot more than just a few nations; it even encases parts of America and Canada where

French and Spanish are the most commonly spoken languages.

latin America history
Olmec head by serialc (CC BY)

In total, 20 nations and 13 territories make up part of Latin America.

This also includes major parts of the Caribbean, making it easy to see why so many people have a passion for this part of the world.

It’s a location with various nations included and makes up around 13% of the land surface that we have on earth and easily one of the most diverse areas of the world. So, how do you learn more about it?

History of Latin American Books

With so many books to choose from, it might be tough for you to know where to start.

This fun and engaging list, though, should give you all the information that you need to find the best books to learn from, starting today.

The Penguin History of Latin America

latin american history books

Features:

  • Filled with great information
  • Reliable, fact-filled details
  • A great source of historical detail

Price via Amazon

If you are looking to learn about nations such as Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Chile, and Argentina, then begin here. You can find out all of the information that you need to know about the early histories of these nations just by reading along to this guide. A great starting point for anyone looking for history up until 2009.


Forgotten Continent

latin american history books

Features:

  • Excellent, detailed social content
  • Unbiased look at politics
  • Great for understanding economics

Price via Amazon

Latin America is a deeply unique place, with a very particular style and theme to it. It’s this particular style that has made Latin America such a fascinating place to live in. this book encases in-depth accounts of this amazing location.


Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life

latin history books

Features:

  • Learn about a legend
  • Understand the political context
  • Learn about his demise

Price via Amazon

Che Guevara is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting people in modern history. This book does a fine job of breaking down much of his life, allowing you to learn more about the man instead of the myth. Great for those who want an unbiased, open-minded review.


Born in Blood and Fire

latin american history books

Features:

  • Smart, simple, and concise
  • Does not deliver bias
  • Great for quick learning

Price via Amazon

A fine way to make sure that you can learn about the full history of what is a deeply violent, engaging part of the world. Learn about what led to the development of modern Latin America, and what the conflicts over the years have helped to produce.


Between Legitimacy and Violence: A History of Colombia

latin history book

Features:

  • Essential for understanding violence
  • Great for Colombian learners
  • Explains the real story

Price via Amazon

From breaking down how the Cartels took control of how the country managed to rebuild after a turbulent past, this is a must-read book. A great choice of reading material for anyone who wants to grasp the political and social motivations of a deeply divisive era in Colombia.


A History of Violence: Living and Dying in Central America

latin american books

Features:

  • Understand Latin American reality
  • Great for avoiding fluff
  • Simple, to the point

Price via Amazon

If you want to know what life in Latin America is like on a daily basis, read this. You’ll soon have a much greater understanding of the daily struggle that Latin Americans face on a daily basis, and the reality of what the diversity here can eventually lead to.


Afro-Latin America, 1800-2000

latin american books

Features:

  • Touches on a vital part of history
  • Understand the cultural changes
  • Avoids sugarcoating history

Price via Amazon

For a look at history that does not try to make things seem normal, Afro-Latin America covers 200 years of challenge and stress for the entire continent. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand how things played out as they did for the people here.


Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America

latin american books

Features:

  • Learn how Latinos eventually settled
  • Understand Latino culture properly
  • Great for understanding the culture

Price via Amazon

How Latin Americans came to be is quite a confusing tale, but this book does a fine job of breaking it all down. A great starting place for anyone looking to fully grasp how Latinos are now one of the largest minority groups in the USA, and what this means for the future.


The continent makes up a major part of the world, with many historical people coming from the nations that make up Latin America.

Typically, nations such as the majority of South America, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and much of the Caribbean make up Latin American territories.

You’ll also find some other nations that are listed as part of this, including smaller nations like Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Overall, the majority of countries that make up Latin America have rich histories, often filled with revolution and overcoming the odds.

Latin American History Books

With so many Latin American history books to look through now, you just need to choose where suits you best.

Take a look at our collection of books, and you should have no problem at all in picking out your ideal choice of book.

After all, finding good books is a very important part of learning about our worldwide history!

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Did this help your search for books about Latin American History?

Want More Latin America Inspiration?

Hopefully, you’ve found these books about Latin America useful.

Do you require more book ideas for your reading pleasure?

  • Books About Jamaica – Learn all about Jamaican culture.
  • Books About Nicaragua – Read more about Nicaragua.
  • Books About Guatemala – Learn about Guatemala’s history.
  • Books About Argentina – Argentine culture books.
  • Books About Mexico – Learn all about Mexican culture.

Maybe you’re traveling soon and in need of some gear for your trip? Check out this best travel gear page for ideas on what to carry.


“Dear friend! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps me to keep traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: Central America

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Helping thousands of people worldwide to learn more about Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behavior of a group of people.

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