1 comments about Mexico and Modern Printmaking: A Revolution in the Graphic Arts, 1920 to 1950 (Philadelphia Museum of Art).

1. The book is an important scholarly contribution documenting an important art movement that reflected the revolutionary spirit that made the Mexican revolution possible.

4 comments about Intervention!: The United States and the Mexican Revolution, 1913-1917.

1. This book is an excellent sythesis of the latest research and writings of the specialists in the field of US Mexican relations. It is just enough for the non specialist to enjoy and frankly, for a specialist such as myself in this period, I found it well worth reading too. It reads well and can be read in a couple of days at most. While I have had even longer a copy of Alan Knight's massive synthesis I admit that I have yet to read that one all the way through. Just the footnotes could take a day. If you want a good sort out of the major players on both sides of the border this is for you. Ronald Atkins' Revolution once was the "one book if you're having only one", but that one is long out of print. This is an even better one. Carter Rila "el cutachero"



2. The author has done a good job in presenting the facts and history leading up to the American intervention into Mexican affairs during the early part of this (20th) century. This book details the American air of superiority as well as Pancho Villa's reason's for raiding Columbus, NM. This is a great book for anyone interested in that period of Mexican-American history



3. I found this book to be extremely well written. It is a topic that engenders many passions, and, opinions on this topic often are based on these passions. The author plainly puts the historical events in perspective in a way that all the events and the characters make sense. The author does not take sides even though he may glamorize Pershing somewhat. The organization of the book is superb and the descriptions of specific events and of specific characters such as Madero, Zapata, Carranza, Huerta, Funston, Obregon and others are excellent. I would recommend this book to anybody, Mexican, American or otherwise, interested in the events of this inevitable and tragic period in the history of Mexico. A very "readable" book. Juan Cardenas



4. Tough as nails history that tells of Mexico during the years of revolution and civil war. Pancho Villa and John "Blackjack" Pershing's punitive expedition is the focal point of the book. The author explains that bungling interventions in Mexico by American politicians didn't alter the fact that Mexicans ultimately determined their own governement. The book is a good introduction to a subject that may be obscure to many American readers, especially 85 years later. Eisenhower does well fleshing out details in the text, in several appendices, and thorough notations. Only a fellow named "Eisenhower" can give one this powerful insider perspective of military and political history. Recommended for multiple reading and further study. ;-)

5 comments about The Wind that Swept Mexico: The History of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1942.

1. 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.



2. 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



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

2 comments about A Photo History of the Mexican Revolution 1910-1920.

1. There have been several works of photographs published over the years that range in quality from professional to amateurish. A fine example of the former is Anita Brenner's Wind Thst Swept Mexico, recently reprinted by University of Texas Press; of the lstter are various privately published works by Bill Racosy.
   Most of the modern works published since 1950 have photo illustrations but they're often printed on soft paper two to a page in octavo portrait format and detail is obscured.
   The recent work published by UNM Press (now, unfortunately out of print) entitled Border Fury, has many reprints of period postcsrds in landscape large octavo format, is another outstanding work. (It includes many images from my personal collection.)
   Others include one by Mary Sarber drawing on the magnificent collections of the El Paso Public Library but which is long out of print and commands exorbitant prices in the photography collectors' market. and a recently published large format volume by University of Texas Press drawn from the works of Robert S. Runyon, who worked out of Brownsville in the lower Rio Grande Valley, an area, which, though having seen much action, was, due to its distance from the major strategic area stretching from El Paso to Mexico City, of little importance in the final outcome of the Revolution.
   And the big daddy of them all is the set of collected issues of Historia Grafica de la Revolucion, which originally appeared in quarto tabloid format as a periodical. However, it is seldom offered in the book market snd includes way too many "grip and grin" and SAFA* shots of obscure politicians of the thirties. Because the series was printed on soft paper, not glossy, details are obscured.
   This present work should be of interest.
   
   *Stand Around, Fool Around



2. You'd expect some decent photo reproductions for this price. Instead, you get a worse than amateurish printing job: washed out, badly cropped, noticeably distorted, unaccountably repeated photos (first complete photo, then photo detail w/out sufficient resolution). In short: visually horrendous--and that's saying most of what matters in a photo book. On top of that the captions that accompany photos are poorly written, trivially informative, and not free of mistakes when it comes to Spanish (you'd expect some care in someone dealing with Mexican subject matter--I hate to think what the announced Spanish version is like). Also, why does he insist in calling them "Revolutionarios"? Either "revolucionarios," in proper Spanish, or whatever he chooses to call them in proper English. It sounds disrespectful.
   This should have been offered for free. Don't buy it.

2 comments about Las Soldaderas: Women of the Mexican Revolution.

1. The pages of the book are not even numbered correctly at the beginning of the story . The book is very thin, with only 89 pages (57 pages are of photographs, all of which are easily available on the internet for free, like on Pancho Villa's Photos website of Ojianga). Throughout the book, everything is so contradictory. The author seems confused. No real effort seems to have been put forth to educate the reader.Seems like she gave a bunch of jumbled reviews of different novels she picked up . You can't tell what is true and what is fiction. Can't believe this is supposed to be a book.



2. Elena Poniatowska's "Las Soldaderas: Women of the Mexican Revolution" (Cinco Puntos Press, $12.95 paperback) demonstrates the riveting, almost hypnotic power of photographs.
   
   Poniatowska's text (translated from Spanish by David Dorado Romo) is wisely limited to about two dozen pages and acts as a frame for the remarkable black-and-white images of the brave women who fought on either side of the Mexican Revolution.
   
   The term "soldadera" comes from "soldada," or salary. Poniatowska explains that "during all wars and invasions, soldiers used their 'soldada' (a word of Aragonese origin) to hire a female servant. The woman would go to the barracks to charge her salary, i.e., soldada." Thus, the term "soldadera" was coined.
   
   The photographs are culled from the enormous Casasola Collection in the Fototeca Nacional of the National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico. The publisher tells us that the collection is based on the work of Agustín Casasola (1874-1938), one of the first photojournalists in Mexico and founder of the photo agency that carries his name.
   
   It is difficult not to mull over these photographs of Mexican and indigenous women from the early part of the last century as they pose with their pistols, horses, children or husbands. These are women who played different roles, sometimes as brave soldiers, other times as helpmates (or even prostitutes without much choice) to the male warriors.
   
   Poniatowska offers anecdotes to help us know these women, sometimes using their own words. Pancho Villa does not fair well here, nor do other men who took brutal advantage of -- or even murdered -- these women.
   
   "Las Soldaderas" perfectly weds words with photographs as a poignant tribute to the brave women who were active participants in the Mexican Revolution.
   
   [The full review first appeared in the El Paso Times.]

5 comments about The Life and Times of Pancho Villa.

1. The leadership of Pancho Villa was of personality. He was an exciting legend. "You, sir, have destroyed the revolution." (p 117) Pancho Villa was, also, outspoken to his superiors, hot-headed, impulsive and may have been correct. The revolution, the real subject of the book, was destroyed by the rich. Apparently, because of that, Pancho, after a few more battles, retired. The book presents his opinion thoroughly in close to 1,000 pages of fascinating text full of legendary encounter. Pancho Villa, of course, is the center of everything in his world. It was ego. The book shows that too: a portrait of a complex man. Eric J. Lindblom PhD Harvard



2. This appears to be a well-researched book and certainly contains a lot of information about Pancho Villa. But there is something wrong. The author has low credibility with me because he writes that Pancho Villa never smoke nor drank. Yet, I can go online and find a photo of Pancho Villa smoking. [...] Moreover, Pancho Villa may have been smoking marijuana in this photo. John Reed writes that La Cucaracha was his army's theme song, but Katz never even gives an explication of Pancho Villa or the sentiments expressed in the 30 plus verses of that song -- e.g. "La cucaracha, that little cockroach, O his home he'll never leave, because to travel without a real roach to smoke, he just can't conceive. Heard the cockroach kicked the bucket, and the funeral packed the house. He was buried with four buzzards, right next to the sexton's mouse. With the chin hairs of Carranza, I will weave a lovely band, for the hat of Pancho Villa, yes, our leader oh so grand. When this baker went to mass, he didn't have a single prayer, so he prayed the blessed Virgin, fill his pot pipe up to there. Biggest laugh that I've had ever, Pancho Villa without shirt on. Carrancistas run for cover, that's why Pancho Villa's men won."



3. Katz is very complete in his review of Villa's moment in history. He represents the thorough type of academic research that we have come to expect from a distinguished professor at the University of Chicago.



4. Katz provides the best biography of Pancho Villa. It is lengthy but is thorough and covers the relevant times in his life. Villa was a thug and a thief and Katz shows that well. His attacks against the government and the United States are clearly laid out and Katz analyzes the surrounding characters very well. If you are interested in the Mexican Revolution this is an essential book to have. For those looking to build up a library on Mexico history this is a must read. I loved every page of this book and have read it several times and each time I unlock a new level of knowledge about the revolution and Villa. Highly recommend.



5. I bought this book while writing a paper for a Mexican History class. I was writing on the military tactics and strategies that Villa used during the Revolution. This book had some really useful material for my paper, and having read a good bit of the rest of the book, I can tell you that it has something for just about anybody depending on your specific area of interest.

5 comments about Revolution of Hope: The Life, Faith, and Dreams of a Mexican President.

1. I will strongly recomend this book for people that are interested in The Americas' integration of cultures.



2. Ordered this on Dec. 2 and was told that it shipped Dec. 11. It is now Dec. 23 and I have not received book or any info. as to what is going on since Dec.11. Not happy with this service at this time.



3. In order to read this book you should be objective not subjective. Have an open mind and try to listen to the man. I believe too many people have read(or lied and claimed to have read the book to push their own agenda)this book letting their own prejudices cloud their judgement of the book. It is a memoir of sorts, an autobigraphy if you will. It is not literature. Many authors who are first and foremeost not authors write with the help of a professional, for example, Lance Armstrong has enlisted the help of columnist Sally Jenkins in his books It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life and Every Second Counts. I mention this because some reviewers here have dismissed this book saying he did not write it. So what is this book about? It is one man's account of his rise to the Presidency in 2000 breaking the one-party rule of the PRI that had a stranglehold on the Mexican people for the previous seventy-one years. This in itself was a monumental accomplishment. But this book is much more than than just his personal rise to power. It is about his struggles, his parents and grandparents struggle to achieve a better life, an ongoing theme that seems to irritate many people when it comes to the immigration issue. BTW, his paternal grandfather emigrated in 1898 to Mexico from the United States (Ohio), seeking a better life because his business failed and his father was an American citizen! So you see, immigration goes north and south, with results that can often be amazing. Vicente Fox chronicles his youth and what it was like to live on the family ranch in San Cristobal in Guanajuato. He discusses his parents decision to send him to school in the U.S. and the effect that had on his youth. Like many Americans or Mexicans of Mexican descent,this traversing of the border can create conflicts on both sides of the border. As children we go where our parents tell us to go because they know best. In the end this was good for Vicente Fox as it allowed him to compare and take the desireable qualities of American life and later apply them to his leadership, first as the youngest CEO of Coca-Cola, on to Governor of Guanajuato and ultimately as President of Mexico. I found President Fox to be a man of integrity, commitment, strength, leadership and vision. People can agree to disagree, as Fox does with Bush but a bond is there between people who are seperated by a border. There is a mutual respect that these two leaders have for each other as the book indicates. His life is fascinating but his desire to create a better world is even more admirable. Politics aside you cannot be other than impressed with his commitment to the betterment of mankind. I was very impressed with his denuciation of the dictator, Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and his good reltionship with President Bush. These two leaders were making progress with regards to immigration until 9/11. The summit meetings in San Cristobal prior to 9/11 were historic in many reagrds, not the least of which was the fact that this was President Bush's first foreign destination. If you do not let your personal views on immigration cloud your judgement I think you can find this autobiography quite compelling. His narration his part history lesson, part vision of the future. He incorporates the lessons of today, compares them with the past and creates a unique observation to the future. He cites examples from Europe on how through a common market the economies of the poorer European nations have leveled the playing field with the richer European nations. The Euro is stronger than the U.S. dollar. He believes that much can be done within our own hemisphere to create prosperity for all nations in the Americas. Canada,the United States and Mexico can be the torchbearers of this vison of economic unity and vitality. Vicente Fox's vison is honest, whether or not it will occurr in our lifetime is another question but naysayers should not write him off so quickly. He achieved the unthinkable, he defeated the PRI'S reign, so don't sell the man short, besides he's very tall, 6'5". Seriously though, Fox doesn't sugar coat his countries problems and presents Mexcio with all it's warts. He discusses the role of narcotrafficers and the devasting effect they have had on both sides of the border. Mexico's attempt to clamp down on these gangs and the cooperation between nations to prosecute. The key word here is cooperate, that is what neighbors must do. Hostility between neighbors, whether it is with regards to immigration or any other "hot" button issue will not solve anything, cooperation will. President Fox continues to fight the good fight with the Centro Fox and the expansion of Vamos Mexico Foundation by getting the help of the Carters, the Clintons and others to combat AIDS in Africa, preventing election fraud, raising funds for disaster relief and working for global democracy, peace and social justice. This is a good book about a good man. Recommended for those who envision a better tommorrow and like current events and autobiographies.



4. When learning a language such as Spanish, it is important to learn the culture of native speakers. Unfortunately, most books on culture are either vague (e.g. Mexicans are macho.) or trivial (such as focusing on a timeline of rulers without making the dates meaningful). Revolution of Hope adds context to Mexican history. When an event happens, the suffering or the improvement of lifestyle of the Foxes is chronicled. Likewise, aspects of culture are illustrated with real-life stories.
   
   I do not agree with all of Vicente Fox's politics, but this book is well-written and a great help in my quest to learn Spanish.



5. So what if he could not deliver on all of his campaign promises? He did not have the majority in Congress to do so.
   
   He did start making changes which his successor felipe calderon must continue in order for Mexico to be succesfull in the modern world. Free trade, privatization of certain elements of the oil industry, increased government accountability, drug trade, etc.
   
   A lot of people hate him and hated President Zedillo, but without them both, Mexico ould still be stuck in its old political and presidentialist system that brought us nothing but economic crises after economic crises.
   
   A good read, very entertaining outlook at the personal life, back ground, upbringing, career in the private and public sector.

5 comments about Zapata and the Mexican Revolution.

1. I am not an authority on the life of Emiliano Zapata and realize his life was and is entangled in much myth. Nevertheless, I feel his life is worth reading about and there is no better strat than with Womack's account (or perhaps Samuel Brunk's). Great book written about a Mexican legend.



2. Without doubt the finest english language account available about the agrarian reform hero Emiliano Zapata;
   Womack brillantly describes the social and economic conditions that caused the Mexican revolution. His depiction of the central character Zapata is eloquent and a worthy homage to the champion of Mexico's poor and indigenous.
   I was particularly impressed by the level of the author's research into the political and economic background of the period. A magnificent book that places you right in the middle of the turmoil that gripped central and southern Mexico.
   Recommended to all scholars of the Mexican revolution.



3. This is an excellent tool for any researcher or student of the Mexican Revolution and Emiliano Zapata. Mr. Womack's volume is by far the best English language book on Zapata that I have ever read. It is absorbing and accurate. A perfect blend of historical data and fine storytelling.



4. John Womack's historical account of the Mexican Revolution truly focuses on General Emiliano Zapata and his home state of Morelos. If you're looking for a broad account of the Mexican Revolution that really includes Pancho Villa's struggle and the interventions of the U.S. government, this is not the book you are looking for. But Womack does provide one of the most notable accounts of the Revolution, and nowhere else will you get this level of insight into Zapata's character and struggle.
   
   Zapata quickly rose from his position as chief of the peasants in a village seeking agrarian reform to the leader of a state-wide movement. His single-minded dedication to the cause of justice in land-rights made him a hero to the people. However, what Womack misses in his account of the decade-long revolution in Morelos is the hellishness of war. The oppressive governments of the time, from Diaz to Huerta, were not the only one's whose armies attacked civilians and burned their homes, displacing whole villages. There was an element of banditry even among the Zapatistas. And by glossing over the moral struggles and compromises of the war, Womack does his hero a disservice; the reader does not see the difficulty Zapata faces in making moral sacrifices for the greater cause of the Revolution.
   
   Womack's depiction of the Revolution is idealized, but despite the gloss put on certain parts, it is accurate. If you are looking for a book rich in historical fact, this is the book for you; just keep in mind that even the best historians may have a blind spot.



5. Womack's timeless dissertation on Zapata is still the authority on one of the most interesting men of the Mexican Revolution. Zapata never wanted power for himself and fought for the peasants of Morelos. His desire for land reform is exposed here as well as his strategy and life. It is an excellent biography and presents a small facet of the revolution. If you have not read anything on the revolution this is not the book to start with. It assumes that you have a working knowledge of the revolution and does an excellent job of conveying the information of Zapata's ideals.

5 comments about Villa and Zapata: A History of the Mexican Revolution.

1. I'm quite impressed with the depth and scope of this book. It makes an interesting pair to read with John S.D. Eisenhower's "Intervention", which focuses more heavily on the US role in these events (especially the incident at Tampico and the seizure of Vera Cruz).
   
   The book does have a bit of a "bias" you should be aware of going in. He really seems to come across with the idea that radical revolution is good, and those who are not radical (like Madero) are to be dismissed. In the circumstances, he may not be wrong, but I prefer my history not to wear his opinion quite so blatently.



2. Frank McLynn recaptures Zapata's And Villa's personality very accurately. The book begins with a background information on Mexico and the wars that eventually led to the rise of the dictator Porfirio Diaz and his iron fist rule over Mexico. During this time, the rich were getting richer; and the poor could not come out of debt. Eventually one man from the farm lands spoke his mind. Emiliano Zapata, a man who was for land reform from the south, spread his belief to the peasants and urged them to fight back. While this was going on, a stubborn, hot headed, ladies man was stirring up trouble in the north. These two opposite's, one peaceful acting on thought and the other short tempered acting on gut, were to set Mexico free. But after the revolution was over, neither of them would have suspected that it had only just began.
   
   I personally enjoyed this book very much. I have read many Mexican revolutionary books but neither of them have had such a detailed history of the revolutionaries as this book. Frank McLynn describes them and their personality very accurately and it gives you a deeper understanding of them and their motifs for fighting against Diaz. As you read the book, Villa's and Zapata's personalities are unveiled and their troubles are told. McLynn also explains how Villa's and Zapata's personalities are reflected in their battle tactics and politics. I highly recommend this book to those who want to know a better understanding of the Mexican revolution, and its reasons for starting. This book is very detailed and everything is explained making it easy for everyone to read.



3. Zapata
   By Roger Parkinson
   Emiliono Zapata was born in 1879 in Morelos, Mexico. He lived his live as a revolutionary leader but started as a lowly peasant. He decided to lead a revolution because of the overwhelming hold of the haciendas on peasant life. Zapata disliked this at an early age and this would later grow into a long and bloody revolution. The haciendas were rich plantation owners and peasants were required to work there. If any one disagreed with the system then they would be shut up by murder or beatings. It was as close to slavery as anything could be besides slavery in its true form. This is an interesting and informing book about the leaders and history of the Mexican Revolution.
   Zapata's early child life started out being born into a respected, poor family, with a history of being belligerent and quick to fighting. As like normal peasants he worked on a hacienda. Zapata trained horses when he was not on the hacienda.
   This book tells about all of the major battles leading to Zapata's death. One of these is the storm on Mexico City which came from all sides so the city had almost no chance of winning. But surprisingly it still took a while for the city to fall.
   Zapata and his Zapistas, or his troops, used guerrilla fighting strategies to attack the massive federal army of Mexico. One of his trusted allies was Villa and his Villistas who helped win many important battles. Without this help the revolution would have been worse.
   This book says that you don't have to be rich or famous to change the world. You could be extremely poor and still be someone.



4. I did not know much about these two characters and the Mexican Revolution itself. However, this book really impressed me, I really like how the author wrote the book, his witty prose is impressive and the story is almost like a novel. I felt like I was reading a novel and yet these events happened in real life. The only thing I did not like was that some details seemed like an assumption, besides that, It is a wonderful book and I suggest you read it, you will learn a lot.



5. This is a well-written, superb look at the Mexican Revolution and its two most famous revolutionaries. The author does a great job of outlining the backgrounds, motivations and actions of not only Villa and Zapata but also the other major players of the revolution such as Diaz, Madero, Huerta, Orozco, Carranza and Obregon. The author's writing style is such that this book reads more as a story than a dry textbook. Not being well-versed on the Mexican Revolution I truthfully had a hard time putting this book down as I wanted to find out how things turned out. My only recommendation would be a better set of maps to make it easier to follow the action but overall I highly recommend this excellant piece of work to all.

5 comments about Mexican Muralists: Orozco, Rivera, Siqueiros.

1. outstanding full of historical views



2. Shows a great variety of each artists pieces and movements through out their career.



3. This is definitely one of the best books out there for anyone interested in Mexican art. Few books can inspire as much as this one, especially for people from Zapotlanejo, Jalisco. It's loaded with many pictures and chronicles the lives of these three muralistas and has in depth coverage of specific murals, i especially enjoyed the coverage on "History of Mexico" mural by Diego Rivera. This book is definitely worth the price and a great addition to any collection. Orale!



4. Read the editorial reviews first and if you are still not convinced that this book does a good job covering the Big Three than get individual books on each. The text is outstanding and puts the works of art into a political context of the time period. The author is analytical, insightful and definitely well versed in the subject matter.There is an exhaustive bibliography, extensive endnotes on each chapter and spectacular reproductions on thick quality paper stock. There are historical photographs of public works in progress and a varity of camera angles of individual murals to show the enormity of the works. I have seen many of these murals on location and this book does an excellent job of portraying them as they are. When you see a Rivera fresco on a wall at the National Palace live or in this case from a pulled out camera angle and see the railing leading to the next floor being dwarfed by the images it is truly impressive. Looking at the details within the murals is the ultimate visual experience where you can get lost in the picture and the meaning. The closeups and details of individual segments are superior. This is art for the peoples public viewing brought directly to you from Mexico to hold in your hands and examine at your leisure. There are several good books out there on Mexican Murals but this one for the money is outstanding. The three artists each had a distictive style but each brought a unifying nationalistic approach to the walls of public buildings. Is one artist better than the other? You be the judge, everyone has their own favorite. If you are unfamiliar with the works of the Big Three than check it out, you are in for a treat.



5. After having this on my wish list for a couple of years, and I finally purchased it after another trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts. If you're interested in Diego and his contemporaries, this book is a must-have!