Concise yet thorough, this engaging book provides an overview of the unique history of an increasingly important Central American nation. The History of Costa Rica provides a thorough, straightforward narrative of a Central American country that has become increasingly more visible since the end of the 20th century. Written for students and the general reader, this book covers the nation from its pre-Colombian origins to the present day. This chronologically organized volume documents the area's earliest inhabitants, then moves on through the colonial period, the process of nation-state formation in the 19th century, the volatile period of liberal reform, and the era of civil war and its aftermath. More recent times are also explored, including the role of Costa Rica in the Cold War, the peace process of the 1980s, and the development of the strong tourism industry that flourishes today. Among the prominent themes running through the book are the unique historical development of the country, the importance of its democratic tradition, and Costa Rica's role in a global context. Monica A. Rankin is Associate Professor of history at the University of Texas at Dallas, and she has served as the director of the university's Center for US-Latin American Initiatives. She specializes in the history of Mexico, Latin America, and U.S.-Latin American relations. Her publications include ¡México, la patria! Propaganda and Production during World War II (2009) and Exploitation, Inequality, and Resistance: Three Centuries of Latin American History (2017). Frank W. Thackeray is a professor emeritus of history at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Indiana, USA. With John E. Findling, he is an editor for the Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations series. John E. Findling is a professor emeritus of history at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Indiana, USA. With Frank W. Thackeray, he is an editor for the Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations series.