The faces of fame in Latin America--and the power they hold over the world.

In equal parts idolatry and iconoclasm, Latin American Icons recognises and interrogates those Latin Americans who have become larger than life. In trying to understand the meaning of iconic figures in modern Latin America, this volume ranges across every realm of political and cultural life - populist politicos, ambassador-playboys, soccer players and superstars - to examine the complex play at work in the making and re-making of celebrities within and across national borders.