This book examines an important type of Spanish-American essay--one that deals with the problems of a developing civilization--and places its focus on the history of ideas rather than on literature per se, pointing up the hemispheric pattern of intellectual development in most of the major Spanish-American countries and revealing a general pattern in cultural development. Originally published in 1967. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.