Bibiography of Costa Rica
"The Green Phoenix"
by William Allen
The story of the founding and rebuilding of a unique tropical dryforest. The vision Dan Janzen combined with the hard work and valiant efforts of the International and Costa Rican conservation community to reverse the ravages of humankind in a new way. Great cast of characters. Long term project. Rebuilding a dry forest without mass replanting —how was it done? The nice thing about this story is "it is working". Restores your faith in the future of the planet.
"The Quetzal and the Macaw"
by Wallace
The story of the founding of the National Parks of Costa Rica and the particularly valiant efforts of two Costa Ricans —Boza and Ugalde.The tireless efforts of these two geniuses with a real vision of the future are an inspiring tale of possibilities for other developing countries. "Balancing political enlightenment with environmental concerns" maybe one synopsis that describes the efforts of many people to make the parks system a reality. In 1969 nothing was under protection from the government —now over a quarter of the country is protected. This book is out of print but email us for a source which has some used ones.
"The Costa Ricans"
by Biesanz, Biesanz & Biesanz
Read all the books you want about Costa Rica and you still won't find the insights that this excellent book will yield to interested persons. "Costa Ricans are different" as nobody will disagree —if you have an interest in why, you must get this book. It covers the landand people, community (a fascinating inside view), class and race, education and a great deal more. There is a detailed bibliography that will interest serious readers (how did they find all this stuff!). Janet, (yeah, our Janet), notes "I like the Spanish version of Mavis’ book better than 'The Ticos'."
"The Costa Rica Reader"
by Marc Edelman and Joanne Kene
This is the fourth of the 3 best books to read before coming to Costa Rica (I can do that, this book is so good). After a recent reading it became clear to me that this book deserved elevation to one of the "great books of insights" into what makes Costa Rica and Costa Ricans tick the way it and they do. If you want history and evolution you will find it here. A most interesting compendium of articles and essays by numerous contributors from the colonial period leading up to the Iran Contra Affair and the Arias peace plan. More interesting now, in that Arias is back as President 20 years later. Did you know about the "parallel state" affair or the origin of the DNA that originally attracted those original settlers seeking "neither glory nor riches".
"The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica"
by Christopher Howard
Charles Mills, another resident who benefited from this book, writes: “Chris has recently updated the 14th edition of his book, which is an invaluable guide to all that are looking to visit, relocate, buy property, work or start a business in Costa Rica”. Chris notes, “for someone who has never been to Costa Rica what I've done is give them enough information to get a good head start”. The book also contains much valuable reference material to make being in Costa Rica less stressful. He continues: If you are planning on moving to Costa Rica, Chris tells the truth about the challenges and many obstacles that you will face. There is a section on what it is like to face the bureaucracy of a Latin American. His advice comes from real life experience and helping many people navigate life in Costa Rica. Chris also tells you of the joy and wonders of Costa Rica and there are many.
"Living Abroad in Costa Rica"
by Erin Van Rheenen
Erin is talking from experience having moved here in the last 5 years. If you are going to move to Costa Rica you can't have too many such books and this would be on your must read list. The book includes a number of ex-pat profiles - perhaps of someone like you? A section is devoted to prime living locations —a very subjective thing but the recommendations are a worthy read. This book is more current than some others in this category.
"Potholes to Paradise"
by Tessa Borner
Written by a B&B owner in Grecia, this book covers the good and bad roads towards the dream of living in a foreign country. There is a section on running a B&B that will interest some people moving here looking for an income opportunity.
"The Legal Guide to Costa Rica"
by Roger Petersen
Do not go without this book if you are considering moving here. Lots of vital information to prepare you for the vagaries of the system. Family law, real estate, automobiles, criminal justice system and a whole lot more —for the final purchase or final decision you must have a local Tico lawyer recommended by people you trust. But to get you started pondering buying that beach front "steal of a deal" or the B&B in the cloud forest or retiring on a shoestring, you must peruse this book first.
"Living Overseas in Costa Rica"
by Robert Johnston
There are 4 or 5 books in this series subtitled "follow your dreams to affordable living". This can be the theme of many people thinking of moving to this neo-tropical "paradise" as healthcare and tax costs rise in the first world. With our low cost of living, our minimalistic infrastructure and a decent healthcare system for all, Costa Rica has become more attractive as a place to live either as a first home or as a second home.
"Culture Smart Costa Rica"
by Jane Koutnick
A quick guide to customs and etiquette. A small book trying to make sense of the history that led up to this unique culture of peace in a troubled world. This is the kind of book a traveling salesman may pick up who wants a pocket sized picture. Let's hope readers of this book will find the Green Phoenix on their next visit.Legal & Financial Information : Newsletter : News & Articles : Community Relations : The Development Team : Contact Us
E-mail: info@eldoradocostarica.com : Tel: 011 506 8393-4666

