Sandra W. Meditz

This book analyses the political, economic, social and national security systems and institutions and examines the interrelationships of those systems and the way they are shaped by cultural factors. The author provides a basic understanding of the observed society, striving for a dynamic rather than a static portrayal.

2304 Paraguay a country study Edited by Dennis M. Hanratty and Sandra W. Meditz (read 8 Jul 1990) I read this because I was interested in the country and these country books are a good way to quickly learn about the country. Alfredo Stroesser was overthrown Feb 2, 1989, after being in power since 1954. Most of the book was put together before his overthrow. Paraguay has not had too happy a history. It became independent in 1811--after the Jesuits were expelled in 1767.the Reductions soon show more came to an end. Jose Gaspar Rodriguez ruled from 1814 to 1840. Carlos Antonio Lopez then ruled from 1841 to 1862. Next came his son, Francisco Solano Lopez. During his time Paraguay was almost wiped out in a war against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Things were a mess from 1870 till 1904, and not much improvement thereafter. 90% of the people of Paraguay understand Guarani--the only South American country where the dominant language isn't Spanish or Portuguese (except maybe Guyana). This was a good book. show less

2366 Spain a country study, edited by Eric Solsten and Sandra W. Meditz (read 7 Mar 1991) This book was completed in Dec 1988 but not published until 1990. I was very interested in what this book told about a country I have paid a lot of attention to over the years. It is gratifying that since Franco's death Spain has made such a solid progress and is a democratic country. The bibliography is full of interesting-looking books on Spain I'd like to read.

This volume is part of a series of books prepared by the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress under the Country studies/area Handbook Programme