Mexico: A Brief History

by Alicia Hernández Chávez, Andy Klatt (Translator)

Beginning with the pre-Hispanic period and ending with the latest democratic developments of the twenty-first century, this definitive one-volume history of Mexico analyzes the ways that economic, social, and political dynamics have interacted to shape the nation's past. Alicia Hernández Chávez takes into account new historiography―which is fully integrated with anthropology, political science, economics, and international relations―to present an original and fresh interpretation of the structures and processes that determined the country's evolution. Based on the latest sources in both Spanish and other languages, this book illustrates that Mexico's history―far from being one of violent change, uprisings, and revolution―tended more toward stability and political collaboration. Hernández Chávez argues that Mexicans relied on tradition and institutions to effect change, resorting to disorder and destruction as little as possible. Numerous maps, tables, and charts support the text, providing extensive information on geography, social structures, the economy, politics, education, health, and transportation.

Genres: History, Politics

411 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Juxhin Deliu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interessante e neutrale rendicontazione delle vicende più salienti della storia messicana, senza focalizzarsi troppo sui fatti e i personaggi, offrendo analisi di stampo statistico e approfondimenti su cause ed effetti, risultando un po' tecnico, ma restando comunque un'introduzione preziosa alla storia di un grande paese oltre che nazione.

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este es un libro muy completo pero también muy aburrido. Esta historia recuenta todos los sucesos y personajes importantes de la historia mexicano, e incluye muchas tablas y gráficas que tratan de estadísticas demográficas y económicas. Sin embargo, no trata mucha de la vida cultural y popular - de la literatura, la religión, las artes, et cetera. Tampoco hay un análsis de los cambios sociales y culturales, las ideologías, o los grandes moviemientos que motivaron a muchas personas participarse en la vida pública. La historia de este libro procede de una manera progresivista o quizás darwinista, en que cada época se convierte en la siguinte, sin dejar ningua huella de su pasado.

Yo lo recomendaría como una introducción para alguien que no sabe nada de la historia mexicana. No me gustó mucho este libro, pero también reconozco que sirve como un esqueleto para el principiante.

[Untimely Gamer · Rating 1 out of 5]

You know that really dry, boring textbook you were forced to read for a class? This is one of those textbooks. I should note, I read a lot of textbooks when I want to learn about a new subject, so my tolerance for a little scholarly staleness is high. But this book is so dull and poorly written that even I had to put it down. The author refuses to arrange the material in clear fashion, often tucking the thesis statement of a paragraph in its middle while deluding you statistics or facts. This book is pretty useless unless you are currently taking a course on Mexico.

[Rafael Díaz HR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es un buen recuento de la historia de México, y menciona elementos que usualmente se ignoran en otros textos, como la importancia de la Guardia Nacional o de la relevancia de la autodeterminación a nivel municipal. Sin embargo, su descripción del periodo posrrevolucionario me pareció mucho menos clara que el resto del libro y se acentúa su estilo oficialista.

[April JacksonRaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dense reading at times, and recommended for those with a base knowledge of Mexican history. Provides interesting charts, graphs, and maps.

[Ariel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its taking me forever to read this book...zzzzz..zzzz