These two books cover the same general ground; both rely on extensive interviews with the principal actors in the current conflict, and both appraise the negative consequences of present tendencies in U.S. policy. The Armstrong/Shenk volume appears under the auspices of the North American Congress on Latin America and is much the longer of the two, providing a full history of the country; it is also written in a partisan spirit, with emotional commitment. The Arnson book is more sharply focussed, with less background detail but no lack of policy orientation; the author advocates reaching an accommodation with the Left.
