The most readable and highly regarded history of Latin America for our times. Born in Blood and Fire spans six centuries and covers twenty countries in a compelling narrative of the Latin American experience, animated by stories about men and women from all walks of life and enriched by insightful analysis. This is a story of despair and hope, the processes of conquest and colonisation, race mixing and class construction, revolution and republic formation, and the elusive quests for sustained economic growth and political and social equality.