Description
Book SynopsisThe Mexico Reader is a vivid and comprehensive guide to
muchos Méxicos—the many varied histories and cultures of Mexico. Unparalleled in scope, it covers pre-Columbian times to the present, from the extraordinary power and influence of the Roman Catholic Church to Mexico’s uneven postrevolutionary modernization, from chronic economic and political instability to its rich cultural heritage. Bringing together over eighty selections that include poetry, folklore, photo essays, songs, political cartoons, memoirs, journalism, and scholarly writing, this volume highlights the voices of everyday Mexicans—indigenous peoples, artists, soldiers, priests, peasants, and workers. It also includes pieces by politicians and foreign diplomats; by literary giants Octavio Paz, Gloria Anzaldúa, and Carlos Fuentes; and by and about revolutionary leaders Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. This revised and updated edition features new selections that address twen
Trade Review“A wonderful introduction to the history and culture of Mexico. . . . This work is ideal for general readers, and one hopes it will encourage many to read and learn more about this important and diverse nation.” -- Jay Freeman, * The Booklist (praise for the first edition) *
“Anyone who has a keen interest in Mexico—in delving deep into the country’s rich history and culture before going there—would be fascinated by this book.” -- June Sawyers, * Chicago Tribune (praise for the first edition) *
“There is an impressive, even passionate, commitment to excavating the embedded cultural, political, and economic reference points that arguably constitute something called a Mexican nationalist imaginary. At the same time, the editors have methodologically sought out the contradictions of that imaginary, offering both official, and many unofficial, voices. The result simultaneously exposes and subverts the nation’s foundational fictions.” -- Eric Zolov, * Hispanic American Historical Review (praise for the first edition) *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments xv
A Note on Style xvii
Introduction 1
I. The Search for “Lo Mexicano” 11
II. Ancient Civilizations 59
III. Conquest and Colony 89
IV. Trials of the Young Republic 153
V. Revolution 277
VI. Perils of Modernity 403
VII. From the Ruins 499
VIII. The Border and Beyond 595
IX. From the Perfect Dictatorship to a Imperfect Democracy 667
Suggestions for Further Reading 737
Acknowledgment of Copyrights and Sources 747
Index 757
