The Human Tradition in Mexico » (1st Edition)

The Human Tradition in Mexico is a book of real-life stories of Mexicans throughout more than 250 years of the country's history. This text does not focus on presidents, generals, and other well-known figures, but rather on the ordinary individuals who faced challenges common to all Mexicans of their generation. Editor Jeffrey Pilcher uses these vignettes to explore three significant themes: nationalism and globalization, modernization and its effects on ordinary people, and the struggle for the self. Exploring these pivotal topics, this book personalizes abstract, and sometimes baffling, generalizations on social history by providing fascinating and accessible mini-biographies that will appeal to undergraduate students.

In The Human Tradition in Mexico , readers will explore the story of a Mexican Romeo and Juliet, gain insight into the Mexican version of Woodstock, learn to make a fine, aged tequila, and meet the "apostle of the enchilada." These essays, written by a talented group of specialists, will show how each individual contributed to the forging of the Mexican identity as the country went from a struggling new nation to a modern republic trying to find its place in an increasingly globalized culture.

This book will enlighten and entertain readers with its colorful and engaging narratives of Mexicans throughout the country's rich past.

Introduction, A Map of the System, Jeffrey M. Pilcher
Chapter I. Independent Spirits, 1750-1850
1. Josefa Ordóñez: The Scandalous Adventures of a Colonial Courtesan, Linda A. Curcio-Nagy
2. Anáhuac's Angry Apostle: Fray Servando Teresa de Mier, Karen Racine
3. Lucas Balderas: Popular Leader and Patriot, Pedro Santoni
Chapter II. Heirs of the Reforma, 1850-1910
4. Agnes Salm-Salm: An American Princess in Maximilan's Mexico, David Coffey and Eugenia Roldán Vera
5. Felipe García and the Real Heroes of Guelatao, Patrick J. McNamara
6. Alejandro Prieto: Científico from the Provinces, Glen David Kuecker
7. Juana Belén Gutiérrez de Mendoza: Woman of Words, Woman of Action, Susie S. Porter
Chapter III. Revolutionary Generations, 1910-1940
8. "Te Amo Muncho": The Love Letters of Pedro and Enriqueta, William E. French
9. Rosa Torre González: Soldadera and Feminist, Sarah A. Buck
10. Nahui Olin: The General's Daughter Disrobes, Anne Rubenstein
11. Lic. Moisés de la Peña: The Economist on Horseback, Enrique C. Ochoa
Chapter IV. Mexicans in the Global Village, 1940 to the Present
12. A Public Romance: María Félix and Agustín Lara, Andrew G. Wood
13. Josefina Velázquez de León: Apostle of the Enchilada, Jeffrey M. Pilcher
14. Armando Nava and Los Dug Dug's: Rock Musicians, Eric Zolov
15. Gabriel Espíndola Martínez: Tequila Master, José Orozco
Index