The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 45, July 1941 - April, 1942 Page: 109
409 p. : ill., maps ; 24 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Book Reviews
The central theme of the entire volume is a trip from Laredo
to Mexico City. The opening chapter gives helpful suggestions
to travelers. Then the author describes Monterrey rather thor-
oughly and adds a story of Mexico's youth movement, with a
visit to the Regional School at Galeana. Next is a visit to
Saltillo; then on to Parras, home of the Madero family. At
this point the author stops the southward journey to describe
a trip across Mexico via aeroplane from Brownsville to Ma-
zatln and back.
Resuming the main story, the author describes Santiago and
Linares; she leaves the main road for a mule ride to the Potosi
Mountains, with the accompanying thrills and mishaps, and a
bus ride to Iturbide, a typical Indian town without any signs
of outside influence. Back on the Pan-American Highway again,
she continues to Valles, Tamazunchale (where the highway
climbs into the mountains), Jacala, and Mexico City. Once in
the capital, she describes its principal streets and buildings,
quaint Indian customs and legends, a day at Xochimilco, etc.
The last six or seven chapters of the book contain the author's
opinions about CArdenas, his character and accomplishments,
some criticism of capitalism in the United States and corre-
sponding praise for Mexico's type of socialism, the usual com-
ments about lack of understanding on the part of the United
States, another legend or two, and a final summary.
The author is careless with reference to dates, spelling of
proper names, and even facts. Her travels do not extend south
of Mexico City, but for the places visited her descriptions are
adequate and entertaining. She has a good sense of humor and
an excellent style. The book is not recommended as history,
either serious or superficial. It is not burdened with a bibliog-
raphy, and no attempt is made to be objective in viewpoint.
One of the best features is a map of Mexico City, showing
street names, locations of public buildings, and places of in-
terest. A group of pictures is found at the beginning of the
volume. The twenty-five chapters are short, some being only
four pages in length. Little effort or concentration, and only
one sitting, will be required to read this rather delightful
travel book.
DADE SPARKS.
Texas State College for Women.109
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 45, July 1941 - April, 1942, periodical, 1942; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth146053/m1/115/: accessed March 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.