Mexico: A History

by Robert Ryal Miller

This book is a skillful synthesis of Mexico's complex and colorful history from pre-Columbian times to the present. Utilizing his many years of research and teaching as well as his personal experience in Mexico, the author incorporates recent archaeological evidence, posits fresh interpretations, and analyzes such current problems as foreign debt, dependency on petroleum exports, and providing education and employment for an expanding population.

Combining political events and social history in a smooth narrative, the book describes events, places, and individuals, the daily life of peasants and urban workers, and touches on cultural topics, including architecture, art, literature, and music. As a special feature, each chapter contains excerpts from contemporary letters, books, decrees, or poems, firsthand accounts that lend historical flavor to the discussion of each era.

Mexico has an exciting several Indian civilizations; the Spanish conquest; three colonial centuries, during which there was a blending of Old World and New World cultures; a decade of wars for independence; the struggle of the young republic; wars with the United States and France; confrontation between the Indian president, Juárez, and the Austrian born emperor, Maximilian; a long dictatorship under Diaz; the Great Revolution that destroyed debt peonage, confiscated Church property, and reduced foreign economic power; and the recent drive to modernize through industrialization.

A History will be an excellent college-level textbook and good reading for the thousands of Americans who have visited Mexico and those who hope to visit.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Unfinished

384 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1985

Reviews

[Fee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like all history books I read. It is very interesting in the first half, then tails to "Where you going with that?" In the beginning, he mentions the beginning of Mexico City and how it is runned by Columbians. The first Aztec Leader procreates more than Cromartie from the Jets with 21 kids. -Yeah, it starts really early with us Mexicans. Anyhow, the Aztecs take over cause they got so many and em. Then, it goes to more modern times in how the corruption begins and Cardenas is the only president to turn Mexico in the right direction but the power is too tempting for the rest. Annexation of Mexico is more interesting history of current 1900 history. It ends stupid talking about museums and uninteresting places around mexico city. This book was way cool before the spaniards showed up and brought catholicism because the priests were killing innocent people and virgins. Now, the priests just kill the dreams of young ones.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent, quick overview of Mexico from pre-Columbian times to present. Worth the effort. Echoing other reviewers, i know a TON more than i did prior.
As they say, though, the victors write the history. Limited space is given to the indigenous peoples of the country after the arrival of Cortés, other than in their relation to the Spanish conquerors. Mention is made regarding disease, displacement, and involuntary servitude, but cursorily.
Sections on Benito Juárez and Porfirio Díaz are very good. Regarding the Revolution of 1910-20, the author seems more intent on portraying the revolution as abunch of undisciplined adventurers (like Zapata and Villa) tear-assing around the country, wreaking havoc for its own sake. To be fair, he discusses the issues that caused the revolution, but he doesn't seem to respect those who fought in it.
Happy i read this book, though, and look forward to visiting the country again after this covid sh*t is behind us.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much as concise and straightforward as a history of a nation like Mexico can be. I think it's ideal as an entrypoint or primer for gaining an understanding of the country without having to read several books. Then you can move on to more specialized works on particular topics of Mexican history. It doesn't really have any standout qualities in terms of its writing, but it gets the job done very competently by striking a good balance readability and academic integrity.

Note that it stops short of dealing with the - relatively speaking - recent issues of Mexico concerning drug cartels.

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a clear writing style, and provides an adequate survey to the history of Mexico, but damn, is it boring! The history in the book is too superficial, presenting only the bare basics of rather outdated historical viewpoints, and never presenting alternate (and usually more interesting) views or interpretations of history.

[Briapedia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good general overview.