Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico - Michoacan (Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico) [Paperback]

Mary J. Andrade (Author)

Book Description

Series: Michoacan Volume 1 | Publication Date: 1999

Cultural Writing. Photography. Latino/Latina Studies. Newly available from SPD. MICHOACAN is one of a series of bilingual books, THROUGH THE EYES OF THE SOUL: DIA DE LOST MUERTOS IN MEXICO, so far consisting of three titles, dedicated to the celebration of this ancient festival in Mexico. Mary Andrade received the Latino Literary Hall of Fame award in 1999 in the areas of Travel and New Age Writing for her work as writer and phorographer of this unique series. This book, as OAXACA above, is lavishly illustrated with many color photos of the Day of the Dead, a holiday which has long been celebrated in Mexico and has recently become very poplar in the U.S. Includes recipes dishes from Michoac n (pan de muerto, uchepos) traditionally prepared for the Day of the Dead. Mary Andrade is co-publisher and editor of La Ofertas Review, a bilingual newspaper published in San Jose, California. Facing text in Spanish and English.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is the first of a four-part bilingual series, "Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico." Each page in this photo essay appears in Spanish and English. Concentrating on the areas around P tzcuaro and Zirahuen lakes in the Mexican state of Michoac n, Andrade examines the elaborate preparations and rituals surrounding All Souls and All Saints Days (November 1st and 2d). On these days the spirits of the deceased return to consume their relatives' offerings. Photographer Andrade is an outsider who has visited different Mexican states during the Day of the Dead for many years. The book is the result of her interviews with anthropologists and inhabitants about traditions specific to their towns. She also captures each town's unique customs in beautiful color photographs throughout the book. While specific to a particular area, the book nevertheless meets a demand for information on Mexico and its customs and belongs in both public and academic libraries that have Latino-interest collections.AAna-Elba Pav?n, San Mateo Cty. P.L., CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Book Reveiw : Day of the Dead. Mary J. Andrade's first volume, Through the Eyes of the Soul: Day of the Dead in Mexico - Michoacan, is a pageant of color, anecdote and fact. Anyone interested in the culture of Mexico, or intrigued by the mysteries and charms of one of its most beautiful festivals, is bound to enjoy reading it. The reader will be pleased to note, that three additional volumes on the same subject are expected from the author soon.

The book opens with a lucid account of the history and meaning of the Day of the Dead, and proceeds to weave a marvelous tapestry of history, culture and sociological insight into very few pages of text. The writing is clear, and at times inspirational; the anecdotes and factual background flow together into a nearly seamless whole.

The author is exper at her subject: Mrs. Andrade and her husband publish La Oferta Reveiw, a national award-winning multicultural newspaper and writes often about Mexico. In 1987, she began a research project in Janitzio, Michoacan, which led her squarely into a love affair with the Dia de los Muertos - a holiday which, itself, combines and accentuates many of the traits that make Mexican culture unique and memorable.

What really sets this volume apart from any other writing on the Day of the Dead is the photographs. Here, we wncounter not just the decorative tombstones that made the holiday famous or the festive native garb that reflects the color and depth of the day. We see the faces of Mexicans, celebrating and contemplating the awe of life and death. We encounter Mexico's families and communities in their most sacred hour - in communion with the friends, relatives and citizens that helped them create the life they enjoy.

One final note about this book: It is not to be enjoyed in one sitting. Buy it, peruse it, read a chapter and return to it. For it comes as close as any book can, to providing a window into life, death and the celebration of humanity, as understood by the Mexican culture and tradition. -- Travel Hotline Mexico, Winter 1998/1999

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Product Details

• Paperback: 79 pages
• Publisher: La Oferta Review Inc.; 2 edition (1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096658760X
• ISBN-13: 978-0966587609
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,654,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very highly recommended, June 6, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dia De Muertos en Mexico-Oaxaca (Through the eyes of the soul) (Paperback)

Mary Andrade's bi-lingual (Spanish/English) Day Of The Dead In Mexico: Through The Eyes Of The Soul presents the celebration of one of Mexico's most beautiful, pre-Hispanic traditions as observed in Mexico City, Mixquic, and Morelos, when families honor their ancestors through ritual, festival, and celebration. Beautifully presented color photography enhanced the text throughout, including information on the celebratory preparations, buying of items in the marketplace (tianguis) that will be used in the altars; the offerings (ofrendas) in homage to the souls of the dad; and the cemetery vigil. Also very highly recommended for multicultural studies collections and Hispanic culture reading lists are Mary Andrade's companion volume, Day Of The Dead In Mexico: Oaxaca (0966587618) which focuses on how the festival observances in the Mexican state of Oaxaca.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The color photographs are beautiful and the text excellent., July 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico - Michoacan (Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico) (Paperback)

This book gives much insight to the celebration of Day of the Dead. It provides a lot of information of how the Day of the Dead celebration is done in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. This book is bilingual which is great.

The color photographs are outstanding.