Haiti's dramatic history, pressing social problems and rich culture make it one of the most fascinating nations in the Americas. This book reflects Haiti's diversity through the best writing, both from and about the country. While many journalistic accounts are rapidly overtaken by events, this collection reveals the more deep-rooted reality of the "magic island"'s people and society. Mixing contributions from anthropologists, historians and novelists, the book is arranged thematically. It offers sections on a wide range of historical and contemporary issues - from foreign intervention and human rights, to popular culture, and the Haitian diaspora. Each section contains an introductory essay on a particular theme, extracts from differing authors and full bibliographic information. Contributions include previously unavailable work from Haitians, translated from Creole, as well as excerpts from such authors as C.L.R James, Aime Cesaire, Jacques Roumain and Edwige Danticat.