Biesanz, M.H. (1998). The Ticos: Culture and social change in Costa Rica. Colorado: Lynne Reinner Publishers.

Packed with information the book provides information of the past and present of Costa Rica. It also contain assessments of the effects of structural adjustments and economic policies on bilateral agreements with international financial entities.

Booth, J.A. (1998) Costa Rica: quest for democracy. Colorado: Westview Press.

How did Costa Rica become Central America's first successful democracy? How does Costa Rican democracy work? How does democracy survive despite regional turmoil, foreign intervention, and economic crisis? Beginning with Costa Rica's history within the Central American context, John Booth traces democratic development in Costa Rica through its institutions, rules of the political game, parties, elections, and interest groups. After a review of socioeconomic and political forces, the author examines political participation and culture, political economy, and foreign affairs. The book's overview of Costa Rican politics is accessible and useful for students, scholars, and general readers.

Edelman, M. (1992). The logic of the Latifundio, the large estates of Northwestern Costa Rica since the late nineteenth century. California: Stanford University Press.

The book is divided into two periods, before and after 1950. It tackles the introduction of hacienda system, technology, transport and markets prior 1950, as well as relations of production and domination. Agrarian conflict and peasantry is also contained in the first period together with the beef export economy transition. The second period discusses the related topics previously tackled. The book concluded with the economic crisis and the persistence of Latifundismo.

Hammergren, L. ( 1998). The politics of justice and justice reform in Latin America: The Peruvian case in comparative perspective. Colorado:Westview Press.

This book surveys the traditional roles of Latin American judicial and justice systems and the origins, objectives, and outcomes of contemporary efforts to reform them. It views justice reform as both a technical and political process, demonstrating how evolving understandings in both areas have engendered conflicts over the limits and direction of future change. Drawing on a detailed examination of the Peruvian experience, short case studies on Colombia, Costa Rica, and El Salvador, and other regional examples, Linn Hammergren tracks the evolution of reform policy and politics from a purely sectoral issue to an emerging focus on their relationship to the political foundations, structure, and operations of the modern state.

Helmuth, C. (2000). Culture and customs of Costa Rica. London: Greenwood Press.

Helmuth writes on the uniqueness of the Latin regions, the legacy of social reforms in Costa Rica, its religion, and social customs. Issues regarding print and broadcast media, as well as literature and performing arts of the country are given importance in this book.

Jones, C.L. (1935). Costa Rica and civilization in the Caribbean. University of Wisconsin Madison.

Contents of the book include topics on economy, politics, populations and education among others. To be specific, the book talks about foreign trade, public debts and social advancement coupled with imperialism in the Caribbean and its civilization in the past.

Leonard, TM. (1984). The United States and Central America, 1944-1949: perceptions of political dynamics. Alabama: University of Alabama.

This book focuses on Central America’s foreign relations with the United States of America from 1945 until 1953. Central America’s politics and governance is also covered in the book’s discussions from periods 1821 until 1951.

Palmer, S. (2004). The Costa Rica reader: history, culture, politics (the Latin America readers). Duke University Press.

The book highlights events and people that shaped the nation into its present state. It also talks on the influence and involvement of the United States of America into the national affairs of Costa Rica and to the rest of Central America.

References

Edelman, M. (1992). The Logic of the Latifundio: The Large Estates of Northwestern Costa Rica since the Late Nineteenth Century. Stanford, CA: Stanford University. Retrieved May 18, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=37430317

Helmuth, C. (2000). Culture and Customs of Costa Rica. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Retrieved May 18, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=28494485