A Concise History of Mexico (Cambridge Concise Histories) [Hardcover]

Brian R. Hamnett (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cambridge Concise Histories | Publication Date: December 28, 1999

Modern Mexico, founded after Independence from Spain in 1821, was created out of a long and disparate historical inheritance that has constantly influenced its evolution. Tackling the complex and colorful history of Mexico is a formidable task. Brian Hamnett undertakes this challenge in his Concise History, beginning with a brief examination of contemporary issues, while the book as a whole--ranging from the Olmecs to the present day--combines a chronological and thematic approach while highlighting long-term issues and controversies. Author Hamnett takes account of that past and pays attention to the pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial influence. Mexico's economic problems are given special treatment together with political analysis and attention to social and cultural factors. His prime objective is to make the book accessible to general readers, including those interested in gaining a broad knowledge of the country and those across the professions anxious to secure a rapid but secure understanding of a subject where there are few starting points.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a survey of Mexican history which makes for a perfect introduction for either general or high school readers." Reviewer's Bookwatch

"A superior, accessible history of Mexico that does full justice to the origins of the country's complex multiethnic and multicultural texture." Kenneth Maxwell, Foreign Affairs

Book Description

This illustrated introduction to Mexico combines a thematic and chronological approach. Intended for the general reader, it offers a clear account of the country's historical and contemporary issues, problems and events, from the Olmecs to the present day. Modern Mexico was created out of a long and disparate historical inheritance which has constantly influenced its evolution. This book takes account of that past and pays attention to the pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial influence. There is also much information about what is now called the 'American south-west' and the US-Mexican relationship.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (December 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521581206
• ISBN-13: 978-0521581202
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,361,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Confusing, August 9, 2004

By 

Oaxacophile - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Concise History of Mexico (Cambridge Concise Histories) (Paperback)

The book does not serve its purpose as a general introduction to Mexican history because the author does not present a narrative history in any sense. Rather, the book contains a very high-level and abstract analysis of major economic and social forces surrounding the historical events, the basic outline of which the reader needs to know in advance. Perhaps the book would do better finding "some resonance among fellow disciplinarians" (from the Preface, p. xii) than appealing to the general (educated) reader.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good intro, May 21, 2002

By 

Neel Aroon "jaroon7648" (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Concise History of Mexico (Cambridge Concise Histories) (Paperback)

Concise history of mexico is just that. It gives you a run down through Mexican history from the Indian days to the present looking at different time periods as well as movements that have helped to define the country. The book describes how both internal influences such as the effect of the Catholic church as well as external influences like relations with the United States and Europe have affected Mexico's history and development. It also deals with the economics and political history of Mexico helping to give a better explanation of how Mexico has turned out the way that it has.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Poor introduction to Mexican history, July 26, 2005

By 

G. A. Harrington (Seattle, WA (the real Washington)) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Concise History of Mexico (Cambridge Concise Histories) (Paperback)

This book, like many others have said, is far too technical and abstract to be an introduction to mexican history. For example, the section about the Mexican Revolution (starting in 1910) has no background information, it does not introduce any of the main ideas or people, and leaders during the 30 year history just seem to come and go based on this account. I was very disappointed with this book.