A Brief History of Peru

A Brief History of Peru, Second Edition provides a concise yet comprehensive narrative of Peruvian history from the first civilizations established on the slopes of the Andes around the second millennium B.C.E. through the most recent social unrest and political developments. Beginning with the accomplishments of early civilizations that culminated in the great Inca Empire of the 14th to 16th centuries, the narrative continues with the Spanish conquest and colonization, the country's independence in 1821, and the reelection of Alan García Pérez as president in 2006.

Praise for the previous edition:...a good place to start for anyone doing general research on Peru...recommended for general and academic collections.—American Reference Books Annual 
In the seven years since the first edition was published, Peru has undergone significant changes that have had national and international consequences. A Brief History of Peru, Second Edition maintains the insightful narrative of the first edition and includes a history of the country—from its ancient peoples and the Inca Empire through the most recent political, social, and economic developments. This revised edition expands on the second half of Alejandro Toledo's presidency, including his handling of domestic terrorism from the guerrilla organization Shining Path; the unveiling of a plan to construct a road that would connect Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru by roughly 2020; and the creation of a National Commission of Culture planned to bring a group of intellectuals and artists together to elaborate a governmental plan for cultural policies. 
This new edition explores the 2006 reelection of former president Alan García, who returned to the presidential palace at the Plaza de Armas with promises to improve Peruvians' living conditions and balance economic stability with increased social spending. He has since worked to improve his country's status and strengthen foreign relationships, particularly with Chile and Brazil.
Coverage includes:
The Andean mountains that created Peru's unique geography and demanded innovation and creativity from its first inhabitants
The rise and fall of the Inca Empire, and Peru under Spanish colonization
Peru's role in international narcotics trafficking with the emergence of its massive coca growing industry
The country's struggles for independence and stability
Agrarian reform and the effects of the Shining Path
The 2008 European Union-Latin America and Caribbean summit and the 2008 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit
The Truth Reconciliation Commission (TRC) efforts to unravel 20 years of violence in Peru's recent history
The reelection of Alan García as president and his wave of neoliberalism.