Providing an overview of Chilean history for the general reader as well as the specialist, this text employs primary and secondary materials to analyze the nation"s political, economic, and social evolution from independence to 2002. Unlike other works, the volume examines in depth the most recent events of Chile"s history: the diversification of its economy, spread of democratic institutions, improvement of public health, and emergence of a rich intellectual culture. First Edition Hb (1996): 0-521-56075-6 First Edition Pb (1996): 0-521-56827-7