This textbook develops a cross-cultural portrait of Latin America. Four major sections are concerned with the cultural blueprint, historical and social foundations, the social structure, and intellectual and economic life. Subchapters include: (1) the rise of the Spanish people, (2) administration and jurisprudence, (3) the church, (4) the personality heritage, (5) early New World civilizations, (6) Spanish America to independence, (7) independence and its problems, (8) social background, (9) attitudes and beliefs, (10) customs and practices, (11) education and intellectualism, (12) art and tradition, (13) ethics and linguistic usage, and (14) economics and business administration. A bibliography is provided. (RL)