Here is an assessment of revolutionary Nicaragua"s social, economic, and political situation five years after the Sandinista victory of July 19, 1979. Featuring contributions by more than 30 specialists on Latin America, Nicaragua: The First Five Years is the most comprehensive and current work available on that country"s recent history. All of the contributors have done field research in Nicaragua and several have worked directly with Nicaragua"s revolutionary social programs. The 25 chapters in this volume systematically examine such important subjects as the state structure...the media...the Church...the armed forces...the international dimension...and more. The introduction sets these chapters into context by discussing the theory and practice of revolution in Latin America and by giving an overview of the history of Nicaragua from the Spanish conquest to the present. An epilogue provides a first hand account of the Nicaraguan election of November 1984.