Puerto Rico: A National History

Jorell Meléndez-Badillo offers a new history of Puerto Rico that provides a voice to the archipelago's people and offers a lens through which to understand the political, economic, and social challenges confronting them today. He 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 to the establishment of the Commonwealth in 1952.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2024
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Puerto Rico, a Spanish-speaking territory of the United States, has a rich and complex history that spans from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Its history has been shaped by a combination of conquest, resistance, and the struggle for nationhood. Jorell Meléndez-Badillo, in his new book, offers a fresh perspective on Puerto Rico's history, giving voice to the island's people and providing a lens through which to understand the political, economic, and social challenges that they face today.

In this masterful work of scholarship, Meléndez-Badillo delves into the vibrant cultures of the archipelago in the centuries before the arrival of Columbus. He explores the complex relationships between the indigenous people and the Spanish colonizers, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the island's indigenous communities. He also 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.

Meléndez-Badillo deftly portrays the contemporary period and the intertwined yet unequal histories of the archipelago and the continental United States. He explores the political struggles and social movements that have shaped Puerto Rico's identity, including the fight for independence, the struggle for equal rights, and the impact of globalization on the island. The book offers new perspectives not only on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean but also on the United States and the Atlantic world more broadly.

Puerto Rico is an engaging, sometimes personal, and consistently surprising history of colonialism, revolt, and the creation of a national identity. It offers new insights into the complex dynamics of power, culture, and identity that have shaped the region and provides a valuable contribution to the study of colonialism and national identity. Whether you are interested in Puerto Rico's history, the Caribbean, or the broader world, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the rich and complex history of this fascinating island.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691231273