A Companion to Latin American Literature and Culture examines the cultural and historical contexts behind the work of major Latin American writers such as Jorge Luis Borges, Octavio Paz, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.* Places major Latin American authors in the complex cultural and historical contexts that have compelled their distinctive fiction, essays and poetry* Reflects the changes that have taken place in cultural theory and literary criticism since the latter part of the 20th century* Allows the reader to more accurately interpret the esteemed but demanding literature of authors such as Jorge Luis Borges, Vargas Llosa, Octavio Paz, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Cesar Vallejo, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez* Special attention is paid to key authors whose work has defined a period, or defied borders* Additional essays engage the reader with in-depth discussions of forms and genres, and discussions of architecture, music and film* Each chapter includes a selected bibliography and recommendations for further reading