Book excerpt: "Growing out of a conference hosted by the Libiary of Congress, this collection of bibliographic essays covers the historical legacy of Spain in North America from the first sighting of the continent by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1512 to today, when Hispanics comprise the fastest growing minority community in the United States. Written by experts on Hispanic manuscripts and collections, the essays focus on a discussion of archival sources available for the study of Spanish conquest and colonization in what is now the United States, the lands that the Spanish referred to as La Florida and Tierra Incognita del Norte." "The first part addresses questions of managing documentation and identifying sources of archival materials throughout the United States and Spain. Other parts, on research and projects, describe new ways that scholars have used available information to portray the Hispanic experience in North America. Subsequent chapters describe technological advancements that are making archival materials available in a variety of formats. The volume concludes with the recommendation that the United States produce a comprehensive guide to archives and collections for the study of the Hispanic experience in the United States." "The controversy over the significance of the Columbian voyages, particularly as we celebrate their quincentenary, makes this volume an essential tool for those interested in the history of North America's conquest, those studying the Hispanic experience in the New World, and those wishing to examine their own heritage."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved