Conquista, evangelización y resistencia

"Sophisticated study of Spanish-indigenous relations on Panamanian frontier from conquest through 19th century. Based on extensive archival research, country's most distinguished contemporary historian argues that persistence of unsubjugated frontiers on both eastern and western ends of isthmus was due to inconsistencies in Spanish indigenist legislation; methodological weaknesses of missionaries; and lack of coherent, effective frontier strategy throughout colonial period. Despite scarcity of ethnohistorical work on Panama, noteworthy for attempt to make sense of resistance from native point of view. Major work"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.