The History of Panama (The Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations)
"Christopher Columbus left his brother in Panama to found a European settlement, an enterprise which was destroyed by local Indians. It was incorporated into Peru, sacked by the English, incorporated into Colombia, divided by a railroad, divided again by a canal, invaded by the US several times, decimated by dictators and finally, after significant reforms, emerged as one of the most democratic and free nations in Latin America. Despite its fascinating history, however, most people only remember Panama for its canal. In this history for the general readership, Harding makes sure to give the canal its due respect (it was built in fits and starts to be completed in 1913) but also describes the role Panama played in treating malaria, defining US foreign policy, and maintaining a rich and distinct culture despite all the sacking, invading, and dictating."-Reference & Research Book News"[D]esigned for students in middle school through college and public libraries, will give the reader a better understanding of the world….[o]ffers a well-organized format and clear, concise writing."-Multicultural Review