The Course of Mexican History

by Michael C. Meyer, the late William L. Sherman, Susan M. Deeds

Mexico's political, social, and economic landscapes have shifted in very striking ways in recent years, and the country now moves cautiously into the twenty-first century. The Course of Mexican History has been updated and revised to address these remarkable transformations. This seventh
edition offers a completely up-to-date, lively, and engaging survey from pre-Columbian times to the present.
New sections cover the dramatic 2000 election of Vicente Fox to the presidency of Mexico; the privatization of state-owned enterprises and the concept of the free market; and the reaction of the communities of rural Mexico to this economic "progress." Lavishly illustrated throughout, the text
features 250 photographs and drawings, and 14 maps for easy reference. The leading textbook in its field, The Course of Mexican History is indispensable for students interested in Mexican history, politics, economics, and culture.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Latin American History, American, College

752 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

A specialist in the history of Mexico, Michael Carl Meyer, was Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Arizona, where he taught from 1973 until his retirement in 1996. He earned his Ph.D. in 1963 from the University of New Mexico, and taught at the University of Nebraska, from 1963 until he took up his post at the University of Arizona.

Reviews

[Tomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a good survey of the landmark events in Mexican history. The analysis of the history becomes laughable, however, in the modern Mexican era; particularly from 1980 on. The author walks on eggshells as he narrates the last thirty years of Mexico - these are the years of the destructive globalization experiment in Mexico and the rest of the world. The author gives Presidents Carlos Salinas de Gortari and Ernesto Zedillo, the architect of NAFTA and the intellectual author of the Acteal massacre respectively, free passes on criticism and judgement. For the sophisticated reader of Mexican history these editorials are offensive and disingenuous.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a textbook, I was hoping for more of a popular non-fiction type book, but it was definitely a textbook. Regardless, I read it cover to cover and really learned a lot. It was a high level overview of the entire span of Mexican history. It never got into super boring details since it was all high level. Definitely worth reading if you want the full overview of all of Mexican history and politics.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a textbook, I don’t know what you want me to say

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, well-written introductory college text on Mexican history. Highly recommended.

[Ashley B · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a textbook, this is surprisingly compelling. The authors easily move from the Olmec period to the present and, although they do seem to gloss over elements, they manage to pull together the multiple threads of Mexican history, leaving the reader with a clear sense of the competing forces that continue to pull at the nation today.

[Albie]

The Course of Mexican History by Michael C. Meyer (2002)

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quality overview of Mexican history. Easily readable and digestable. If you ever wanted to start a study of Mexican history, this is the place to do it.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read and very informative. I learned a lot.