Description
Book SynopsisExplores the ideological and cultural milieu that shaped the Mexican people's understanding of technology. Intrinsically tied to the Porfiriato, the booming railroad network represented material progress in a country seeking its place in the modern world. Matthews discloses how the railroad's development represented the crowning achievement of the regime.
Trade Review"This is an original and valuable study that deepens our understanding of Porfirian modernity."—Robert F. Alegre,
American Historical Review"Matthews's work makes a solid contribution to the growing literature on the Porfiriato."—William Schell, Jr.,
Americas"Matthews supplies overwhelming evidence to show how the railroad engine became a cultural lightning rod. It is difficult to think of a contemporary corollary with such cultural significance, which only underscores the value of this book to understanding the late nineteenth century in Mexico."—Andrew Offenburger,
Western Historical Quarterly"This is a fine contribution to the scholarship of nineteenth century Mexico. Very well researched and extremely engaging, the book analyses the significance of railways in the consciousness and outputs of different social groups in Mexico during the three and a half decades of the Porfiriato."—Samantha McDermott,
Journal of Transport History"Matthews's insistence on the value of the visual as well as the written and his fluency with many media make for an enjoyable and accessible read."—Casey Lurtz,
Hispanic American Historical Review“The first cultural study of railroads in Mexico. Matthews’s study is timely . . . with lively accounts and interesting analysis.”—James A. Garza, associate professor of history and ethnic studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Chapter 1. The Discourse of Development: The Railway Debate of the Early Porfiriato
Chapter 2. De Viaje: Elite Views of Modernity and the Railway Boom
Chapter 3. Festivals of Progress: The Railway Ceremony
Chapter 4. The Price of Progress: Popular Perceptions of the Railway Accident
Chapter 5. La Loco-Matona: The Railway in the Popular and Opposition Press
Conclusion
