This anthology is the first to present the full history of the Latino literary tradition from its mid-sixteenth-century beginnings to the present day. The wide-ranging selections include works of history, memoirs, letters, and essays, as well as fiction, poetry, and drama. Adding to the anthology are several selections from rare and little-known texts that have been translated into English for the first time. Included also are some works by writers not usually associated with the Latino tradition, notably poems by William Carlos Williams and an excerpt from the novel "City of Night" by John Rechy. More familiar Latino writing ranges from "The Account" (1542) by Cabeza de Vaca to excerpts from Rudolfo Anaya's novel "Bless Me, Ultima," Luis Valdez's drama "Zoot Suit," poetry by Lorna Dee Cervantes, essays by Richard Rodriguez, and fiction by Sandra Cisneros and Oscar Hijuelos. Following an introduction by the editors, the anthology is organized broadly into three parts: "Encounters"; "Prelude"; and "Latino United States." (NKA)