". . . a bold and thoughtful reinterpretation of the role of the political city in the independence of Central America from the late colonial period to the early national. Based on rigorous primary research in Spain and Central America and a broad reading of the secondary literature, the book will be widely read and discussed."—Jay Kinsbruner, Professor Emeritus of History at Queens College, City University of New York
"Jordana Dym has written a welcome and important book that not only will contribute to the growing field of Atlantic World history in the age of the great revolutions, but also will raise scholarly interest in Central American history in general."—Itinerario
"Dym's excellent work makes a valuable contribution to the literature on Latin American nation building."—Choice Magazine
"In this provocative, carefully argued, and meticulously researched work, Jordana Dym makes an original contribution to...Central American political life from the beginning of the colonial period, through independence, and into the nineteenth century."—American Historical Review
"Dym's work rattles the static notion that somehow the current nations of the isthmus morphed into being out of the arbitrary administrative intendancies set up during the Bourbon era. ... the author provides a fresh perspective to the fratricidal wars that consumed large swaths of populations and created bitter enemies among neighbors."—Hispanic American Historical Review