Mexico: A Concise Illustrated History
This accessible, sweeping survey of Mexican history, from pre-Columbian times to the present, introduces critical political and economic processes that have defined the country.

With ample maps and illustrations, along with historiographical inserts, this book is a guide from the earliest beginnings of a great nation down to the present day.

This second edition includes the following changes:
- Two additional chapters that cover the period of 2000 to 2025
- New content that thoroughly addresses cartels, criminal organizations, and drug war
- The latest pre-Columbian archaeological discoveries
- 10 new illustrations and 10 new inserts

To understand this complex and diverse land is to study the splendor of its pre-Columbian cultures, learn the legacies of a violent conquest, and appreciate the fluorescence of three centuries of viceregal Spanish rule. It does not shirk from addressing the darker side of history. Examining the corruption of presidents and the PRI party, it candidly identifies the roots of cartel-related violence. It introduces all of the major players: from Sor Juana to Benito Juárez, Moctezuma to AMLO, Cuauhtémoc to Lázaro Cárdenas, and Alemán to Zedillo. It answers the puzzling question: why is Mexico so poor when its powerful northern neighbor is so rich?

John W. Sherman delivers the essentials to understanding the country. The book's brevity and approach allow for instructors to match it up, unhindered, with their favorite social history books and material, and its easy-to-read and well-paced chapters will engage students. Readers come away with a rooted understanding of where Mexico has been and of contemporary Mexico as it really is.

1133915582
Mexico: A Concise Illustrated History
This accessible, sweeping survey of Mexican history, from pre-Columbian times to the present, introduces critical political and economic processes that have defined the country.

With ample maps and illustrations, along with historiographical inserts, this book is a guide from the earliest beginnings of a great nation down to the present day.

This second edition includes the following changes:
- Two additional chapters that cover the period of 2000 to 2025
- New content that thoroughly addresses cartels, criminal organizations, and drug war
- The latest pre-Columbian archaeological discoveries
- 10 new illustrations and 10 new inserts

To understand this complex and diverse land is to study the splendor of its pre-Columbian cultures, learn the legacies of a violent conquest, and appreciate the fluorescence of three centuries of viceregal Spanish rule. It does not shirk from addressing the darker side of history. Examining the corruption of presidents and the PRI party, it candidly identifies the roots of cartel-related violence. It introduces all of the major players: from Sor Juana to Benito Juárez, Moctezuma to AMLO, Cuauhtémoc to Lázaro Cárdenas, and Alemán to Zedillo. It answers the puzzling question: why is Mexico so poor when its powerful northern neighbor is so rich?

John W. Sherman delivers the essentials to understanding the country. The book's brevity and approach allow for instructors to match it up, unhindered, with their favorite social history books and material, and its easy-to-read and well-paced chapters will engage students. Readers come away with a rooted understanding of where Mexico has been and of contemporary Mexico as it really is.

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Mexico: A Concise Illustrated History

Mexico: A Concise Illustrated History

by John W. Sherman
Mexico: A Concise Illustrated History

Mexico: A Concise Illustrated History

by John W. Sherman

Hardcover(2nd ed.)

$105.00 
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    Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on February 19, 2026

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Overview

This accessible, sweeping survey of Mexican history, from pre-Columbian times to the present, introduces critical political and economic processes that have defined the country.

With ample maps and illustrations, along with historiographical inserts, this book is a guide from the earliest beginnings of a great nation down to the present day.

This second edition includes the following changes:
- Two additional chapters that cover the period of 2000 to 2025
- New content that thoroughly addresses cartels, criminal organizations, and drug war
- The latest pre-Columbian archaeological discoveries
- 10 new illustrations and 10 new inserts

To understand this complex and diverse land is to study the splendor of its pre-Columbian cultures, learn the legacies of a violent conquest, and appreciate the fluorescence of three centuries of viceregal Spanish rule. It does not shirk from addressing the darker side of history. Examining the corruption of presidents and the PRI party, it candidly identifies the roots of cartel-related violence. It introduces all of the major players: from Sor Juana to Benito Juárez, Moctezuma to AMLO, Cuauhtémoc to Lázaro Cárdenas, and Alemán to Zedillo. It answers the puzzling question: why is Mexico so poor when its powerful northern neighbor is so rich?

John W. Sherman delivers the essentials to understanding the country. The book's brevity and approach allow for instructors to match it up, unhindered, with their favorite social history books and material, and its easy-to-read and well-paced chapters will engage students. Readers come away with a rooted understanding of where Mexico has been and of contemporary Mexico as it really is.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9798881804602
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date: 02/19/2026
Edition description: 2nd ed.
Pages: 304
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.11(d)

About the Author

John W. Sherman is a Professor of History at Wright State University. He is the author of five books, including The Mexican Right and Latin America in Crisis.

Table of Contents

Preface

Note about the Cover Images

Part I: Ancient Civilizations

Chapter 1 Great Pyramids in the Highlands

Chapter 2 The Maya of Yucatán

Chapter 3 Olmecs, Téenek, Aztecs

Chapter 4 Conquests

Part II: Colonial Centuries

Chapter 5 The Creation of New Spain

Chapter 6 Mid-Colonial Economics

Chapter 7 Mid-Colonial Society

Chapter 8 Late Colonial Reform and Revolt

Part III: Independence and Modernity

Chapter 9 The Insurmountable Divide

Chapter 10 Showdown with the Americans

Chapter 11 Juárez, War, and the French

Chapter 12 Age of the Railroad

Part IV: The Age of Rebellion

Chapter 13 Twilight of the Porfirians

Chapter 14 The Season of Rebellions

Chapter 15 Return of the Strong Arm

Chapter 16 The Limits of Idealism

Part V: Structures of Power

Chapter 17 Miguel Alemán—Legacy President

Chapter 18 PRI-Eminence

Chapter 19 Bombast, Boom, Bust

Chapter 20 Crisis and Control

Afterword

Suggestions for Further Reading

Index
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