In this first comprehensive work in English to describe the building of Latin America's capital cities in the postcolonial period, Arturo Almandoz and his contributors demonstrate how Europe, and France in particular, shaped their culture, architecture and planning until the United States began to play a part in the 1930s. A series of case studies are devoted to individual cities, each extensively illustrated and written by authorities on the city concerned. Providing a historical survey of Latin American urban development, this book also offers a new perspective on international planning. 'The structure, citation, illustration and coherence of each, set within a clear editorial frame, are a healthy reminder of the exceptional qualities, which were once much more common in edited volumes. This book has been a learning pleasure.' - Terry Farrell, Resource Urban Design Information web-site 'The book is lavishly illustrated with well-chosen diagrams maps and photographs. It is a welcome edition to Routledge's Planning History and the Environment Series.' - Environment and Planning B 'The book remains consistent...and is documented and researched well...A reference which is to be recommended emphatically' Kosta Mathey, Trialog 81/2004 'The structure, citation, illustration and coherence of each, set within a clear editorial frame, are a healthy reminder of the exceptional qualities, which were once much more common in edited volumes. This book has been a learning pleasure.' - Terry Farrell, Resource Urban Design Information web-site 'The book is lavishly illustrated with well-chosen diagrams maps and photographs. It is a welcome edition to the Routledge's Planning History and the Enironment Series.' - Environment and Planning B Arturo Almandoz