"The History of Puerto Rico" written by R.A. Van Middeldyk is a comprehensive exploration of the island's multifaceted past. This historical text digs into Puerto Rico's rich fabric, from its indigenous roots to its colonial experiences under successive rulers. Van Middeldyk methodically chronicles Puerto Rico's history, analyzing the indigenous Tano people's influences, the advent of Spanish explorers, and the following colonization by the Spanish Empire. The book documents the island's cultural blending, economic prosperity, and the establishment of a distinct Puerto Rican identity. The author deftly navigates crucial events, such as the Spanish-American War, which resulted in the transfer of Puerto Rico from Spain to the United States in 1898.