Customer Reviews

The Wind that Swept Mexico: The History of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1942

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A very important book for anyone who wants to understand what "La Revolucion" means to Mexicans and to gain insight into the historical and present relationship between Mexico and its large neighbor to the North. This book is unique in its mix of photographs and text and the simple but masterful way they flow together to tell the fantastic story of the many faces and complexities of a defining time in Mexican history. It should be required reading for all students of the Spanish-American language and culture. The hundreds of classic photographs by themselves make the book a treasure as a collector's album

As an avid student of U.S. history, there always been a lurking curiosity about our neighbors south of the border. This biography of a war-torn nation explored the lively hood and attitudes of the leaders of Mexico, as well as the suppressed peasants that filled the land. Pinpointing the theme set by Brenner in this interesting dive into Mexico's controversial past would be easily done with one saying, "Viva la revolucion!" Of course, the Spanish translation is not needed, but there must be understanding that this phrase was to be said for over an era that spanned from the time Mexico liberated itself from Spain until the 1940s.
An ongoing revolution that had seen some of its worst times in the era that followed the exile of a great dictator known as the "Strong Man." After Diaz left his beloved Mexico in 1910, an onslaught of violence and political chaos set in for roughly thirty years. This is where Brenner starts describing detailed events that came with such vengeance and anarchy that seems to be fictional.
Brenner found it easy to recreate a mental model of how life during Diaz reign was for Mexico. The first part of the book takes time in explaining all the great programs that would soon be disrupted. The explanation of how offices were ran by the scientists and businessmen that supported Diaz was also enlightening.
The stage is definitely set for rude awakening once Madero starts his plans to take over the reign of Mexico. Of course he was not alone in this undertaking. Names that become familiar early in the book include Carranza, Villa, and Huerta. Great character description came about when these significant leaders are brought onto the scene.
The details of how shift in power came about in Mexico are still mystifying after reading the book. Even with the in-depth look that Brenner provides the reader, the reasons of revolution were senseless at times. However this may be due to the vast differences of politics between those who assumed power and those didn't agree with the policies set. Even if there was slight doubt of a president's capabilities a couple weeks after being in office, they were ousted. It would have been as if the Democrats declaring revolution after Bush won the controversial election in 2000. Things this minor to the United States would have flared revolt in a young Mexican during this time.
Of course this brings in the element of the United States involvement in Mexican politics. It seemed to be a very non-direct approach, but nevertheless, we were definitely involved with who would be backed with more money and munitions. Also, we were very selective on which governments we acknowledged as a true power in Mexico. Also financial support form federal and private banks in the U.S. helped support different regimes and revolutions.
Most of the material gathered from Brenner was from recorded first hand accounts, autobiographies, letters, and interviews. The sources seem credible, but Brenner's romanticizing of Diaz and Obregon's time of rule skewed the presentation of the facts. They were portrayed in higher light than any other politicians in the book. Maybe this also was apart of Brenner's fear of Mexico during the Second World War. The persuasive issues touched on at the end of the book were surely that of anti-fascism propaganda. Well, who could blame Brenner for being concerned? It was during era of turmoil and fear; much like the state the U.S. is in now after the attacks of 9/11.
I would recommend this book to others due to its rich exploration into the history of Mexico. I know many Americans overlook this subject just as Brenner says in the first few pages. On top of the great verbal content, the archive of pictures that correspond with the revolution era places names to faces. That always makes it easier to remember these facts in the long run.
Clint Hawkins
February 14, 2002

It's been several years, but I remember The Wind That Swept Mexico as one of the outstanding books I'd read from a reading list with regards to the Mexican Revolution of 1910. It is filled with excellent photograghs of many of the main players of it's time, i.e., Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, Madero, to name a few. The author writes with a seemingly accurate grasp for the times, pointing out military strategy and blunders as well as impenetrable guerilla tactics. Comparisons are made between the Revolution of 1910 and W.W. II with regards to fire power and its carnage. A must for anyone with the interest

Excellent primer about the Mexican Revolution. First rate just for the photographs. The Revolution is very complex, and Ms. Brenner at times over simplifies, but that is the point of the book. You will not be disappointed.

A "must read" for anyone interested in Revolution of 1910, photography of the times, politics of the Revolution and why Mexico is the way it is. Should be read by people going to Mexico to take intensive language course. Tells who followed whom in the rapidly changing poltical world of Mexico in the early days of this century. Also gives insight into the fact that the Revolution lasted much longer than most people think, as did the social and economic effects. Excellent overview of history as it was being made.

This is a beguiling look both visually and a somewhat tongue in cheek look at the Mexican Revolutionary Struggle 1911-1922. The somewhat dated account is told in newsreel fashion and backed by a wonderful collage of photos whose captions sound as though they were written by an Economist Photo Editor. John Reed would have enjoyed this account and for a general introductory overview I would strongly reccomend it. Having begun a personal exploration of the Mexican Revolution I found this initial read did much to prime my further interest. Some of the views expressed are perhaps overly enthusiastic in their assumption of what Mexico's future would hold, yet this a quick and interesting primer on the subject.

Anita Brenner first published "The Wind That Swept Mexico" in 1943 and it is still in print 65 years later. This book has introduced more Americans to the Mexican Revolution than any other book ever published. The reason for this is the 184 pages of photographs assembled by George Leighton with the assistance of Walker Evans.

Anita Brenner is best known for the articles she wrote during the Spanish Civil War for the New York Times and The Nation. The first 106 pages of the book are her account of the causes of the Mexican Revolution and the struggle that continued for the next thirty. Brenner wrote well but our understanding of the Mexican Revolution is very different today than it was in 1943 when the book was first published. If you are looking for a history of the Mexican Revolution, there are better books that been published in the last twenty years.

What makes this book are the photos. During the chaos of the Revolution, daring news photographers could travel the country at their own risk taking photos of whatever pleased them. There were no press limits. Everything was fair game. George Leighton with the assistance of Anita Brenner and the great photographer Walker Evans put together a collection of some of the most compelling news photographs of the era. The Mexican Revolution was a dramatic event and the photos they assembled are equal to the times.

We are approaching the hundreth anniversary of the Mexican Revolution and I hope someone will put together a new photo collection. One can only hope that a new edition of the "Historia Grafica de la Revolucion Mexicana" by Gustavo Casasola will be republished. Published in 1976, "Historia Grafica" is the gold standard by which to judge all photo collections of the Mexican Revolution.

All of the players in the drama that was the Mexican Revolution are seen here. Even a rare glimpse of Rudolfo Fierro, Fransisco [Pancho] Villa's right hand assassin. A must for any library of The Revolution, large or small. Seeing these photographs helps to sort out the intertwining labyrinthine series of events of that tumultous era.

This 1943 book offers a brief view of the Mexican Revolution. It serves those who want an overview, and it provides guidance for those who want to know where to look for more detailed reading. Half the book is photos, and that collection also is good. For those who already know the subject, look to another book for depth. This book is good for what it is, a readable introduction to the subject.

Although there are many books on pieces and parts of the Revolution, The Wind that Swept Mexico attempts a succinct summary and, in most ways, succeeds. Also notable for many fine photographs related to the Revolution.