The Wreck of the San José
Since 1708 there has been vicious competition over the Spanish treasure galleon San José, its cargo, and, now, its sunken remains.
South America
‘America, América’ by Greg Grandin review
America, América: A New History of the New World by Greg Grandin finds a place for Latin America and its ideals in the story of the United States.
Catherine of Siena’s American Daughters
As Christianity spread, it carried Catherine of Siena’s legacy to the Americas. Her asceticism inspired Rose of Lima, Kateri Tekakwitha, and others.
‘Patria’ by Laurence Blair review
In Patria: Lost Countries of South America, Laurence Blair explores nine nations, dissolved or imagined, and what they tell us about Latin America.
Why Uruguay Legalised Duelling
Uruguay was the only nation where fighting a duel in defence of honour was perfectly legal for most of the 20th century. Why?
‘Eli and the Octopus’ by Matt García review
Eli and the Octopus: The CEO Who Tried to Reform One of the World’s Most Notorious Corporations by Matt García is a human story amid mergers, sales, profits and losses.
When Inca Mummies Came to Europe
Older than their Egyptian counterparts, the preserved remains of Andean peoples fascinated 19th-century Europe, leading to a ‘bone stampede’ for Inca mummies. But to what end?
The Valladolid Debate on the Rights of Indigenous People
Was the subjugation of indigenous peoples a just means to expedite Christianity? On 15 August 1550, a humanist scholar and a Dominican friar debated.
A CIA History of Violence
The CIA has veered far from the purpose for which it was founded. Intended to gather and collate intelligence, it became instead a secretive organisation accountable to no one, which had disastrous consequences for Latin America.
The Switzerland of Latin America
The impact and long-term legacy of Uruguay’s progressive leader.