"Professor Thomas Pearcy's excellent history of Central America is unusual in its consideration of places that previous historians of Central America have often overlooked, including Belize and Panama. This expanded scope enables Pearcy to make provocative comparisons that challenge conventional understandings of the Cold War and other pivotal moments in the region's history. This engagingly written book will be of great interest to anyone who seeks an insightful introduction to a region whose history has long been intertwined with that of the United States."

"Tom Pearcy's History of Central America introduces the reader to key issues in the study of the region, offering an illuminating counterpoint to some conventional wisdom. He achieves this through a concise, balanced and intelligent approach that takes into consideration the particular conditions of every country, the historical trends shared by this heterogeneous territory as a whole, and the influence of its relationship with the United States of America. This is a smooth and engaging brief narrative not only of the five countries usually included in this kind of study, but also of Belize and Panama."

"Tom Pearcy has written a highly readable and geographically complete introduction to the history of Central America, with an emphasis on social, political and economic developments in the region from the colonial period to the present. Additionally, Pearcy outlines the role of the United States in Central America, as well as the Cold War. This book is ideal for high school students and college freshmen."