This is a revised, updated edition of Jean Franco's classic Introduction to Spanish-American Literature, first published in 1969 and much recommended ever since. Its coverage ranges from colonial times to the present day, the later chapters having been radically rewritten to take account of the most recent developments in both literature and criticism. The book sets the literary works discussed in their historical, political and economic context, and explores the impact on Latin-American literature of European cultural traditions. English translations are provided for Spanish quotations in the text, and the extensively updated reading lists of primary and secondary material refer not only to Spanish texts but also, where available, to editions in English.