In this book, readers will find rich, in-depth treatments by renowned as well as up-and-coming scholars on the most iconic people, places, social movements, and cultural manifestations—including food, dress, film, and music—that have given shape and meaning to modern Mexico and its people. Presenting authoritative information written by scholars in a format that is easily accessible to general audiences, this book serves as a useful and thorough reference tool for all readers.

This work combines extensive historical treatment accompanied by illuminating and fresh analysis that will appeal to readers of all levels, from those just exploring the concept of “Mexico” to those already familiar with Mexico and Latin America. Each entry functions as a portal into Mexican history, culture, and politics, while also showing how cultural phenomena have transformed over the years and continue to resonate into today.

Features

• Provides novel interpretations into well-established elements of Mexican history, politics, and culture
• Supplies reference material that will appeal both to professors and high school teachers preparing for lectures as well as students conducting research
• Discusses important topics of Mexican culture rarely explored by scholars, such as "gringo," "alebrije," and "sombrero"
• Brings together a genuinely interdisciplinary group of scholars that includes historians, anthropologists, political scientists, and ethnomusicologists, affording readers a breadth of perspectives on Mexican culture and identity