A fascinating book for those interested in Mexican-American relationships. Anita's active role in the rich cultural life of Mexico in the twenties, and her friendship with such figures as Diego Rivera, Frida Khalo and Tina Modotti, provide a valuable insight into an also fascinating country. Her bright intelligence proved to be well ahead of times. A true and sincere fighter against stereotypes of Mexico in American minds, she was one of the very few to challenge them, contributing with her work to a better understanding among both countries. Such conscious research by Ms. Glusker deserves much praise. One wishes that she had included a much more deep insight into Anita's persona and emotions, as well as her work in the family's farm in her late years. Anita's wide variety of interests seemed to have no limits.But maybe that is material for another book.

Having read some of Monsivais works in Spanish, including his thoughts as reflected in the Mexican press, I was extremely pleased to see a book of his finally available in the English language.This book is written with the sharp, critical eye of Carlos Monsivais whose commentary on Mexican culture is astounding and full of insight. Monsivais reflects in his unique style; part history lesson, part social commentary, his analysis of events leads the reader to draw their own conclusions as he plays devils advocate and torch bearer all at once. With a keen eye for historical significance he portrays the icons of society in their greater majesty, their ultimate place in history, their affect on the mores and values of society at large. He goes one step further illustrating the consequences of the media and the political machines behind the people and the images and their lasting effect on the minds and hearts of the Mexican people. He tackles a variety of subjects including the literary works of Juan Rulfo, the lovely matinee idol, Dolores Del Rio, the everymans comic, Cantinflas, with his legendary ability to say so much and never say anything and the lexicon of the pachuco via the verbal collage of Tin Tan. Monsivais does not just limit his analysis to the field of entertainment as he examines religion and the role of the Boy Fidencio, Guadalupismo and Chrsitianity. Naturally he critiques the government, its contemporary leaders as well as historical figures and even examines the Zapatistas. No part of society is sacred as he lends criticism to many subjects dear to many peoples hearts including the romantic bolero. Of particular interest is his scathing view of Mexico's penchant for gory details in the tabloid press where daily one can find a picture of dead person lying in the street with the bloody headlines screeming at you to come closer and take a look. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found the author to give a fasinating peek into Mexcian culture. If you are interested in Mexcian culture I would recommend this book. If you read Spanish I would also recommened his articles in the Mexican press and two books of note, "Amor Perdido" and " Rituales del Caos" where he does much of the same only examining other aspects of Mexican society.

A partir de algunos dibujos del pintor de Juchitán, Oaxaca, Francisco Toledo, Carlos Monsiváis (el cronista no-oficial de la cultura mexicana y latinoamericana) creó una serie de cuentos que parodian los catecismos que los curas utilizan para normar la conciencia de los católicos. El resultado es contundente: no sólo estamos ante un ejercicio magistral de la ironía, sino también en presencia de una de los textos más disfrutables del escritor más reconocido socialmente en México.

In my opinion to flashy, they are only taking advantage of the popularity of tequila, you can not even find it in Mexico. I would recommend much more books like "The Book of Tequila" by Mr. Emmons with real facts and tequila information.

The book begins with an excellent introduction by Mexican soclal commentary critic at large Carlos Monsivais. His thoughts set the groundwork for a book that is not only beautiful but fascinating. The contributing authors have worked together to produce a table top book that is interesting and a spectacular visual delight. The highlight of this book is the superb photographs by Michael Calderwood ; he shows his love for Mexico through his absolute stunning photography. The book has a sprinkling of information from various areas of interest on the subject of tequila. Beginning with a clarification on the myths surrounding tequila and it's source, the book is lucid, entertaining and informative. Reading this book is like taking a journey, discovering the past , present and future of tequila and the culture surrounding Mexico's national drink. The history discussed is interesting but covered only slightly for nice light reading. Included is the process of extracting the liquid and fermenting this traditional drink that is steeped deep in the culture. Other drinks are discuused for clarification , most notably pulque and mezcal. I found the procees of extracting and making the liquid most interesting. Much of the book is devoted to discussing the top brands, many of which are hard to find but for the dedicated aficionado obtainable. Included are recipes that have made tequila known besides the classic international margarita. In short, there is something to learn by most people in this book. If you are interested in knowing a little something about tequila than get this book. An excellent introduction to the subject that has pictures worth the price of the book. For those that would like to read this book in Spanish there is a version available. So, get this book, sit back, serve yourself some anejo, sip and enjoy the trip through Mexico and the areas that produce tequila.

Limon's warm, often poetic text is well-complemented by Calderwood's beautiful photography. This coffee-table book presents not just tequila, but Mexico. It is a tribute to the people who make it, to the land where the agave grows, and to tequila's place and role. This is not an in-depth guide like Cutler or Emmons offers, but it embraces the variety and depth of tequila's rich culture in Mexico. It's an enjoyable read and a terrific presentation.

Carlos Monsivais is perhaps THE most important and widely read cultural critic in Mexico. This basically means that readings of his work can be either highly productive or highly mediocre. Linda Egan, fortunately, falls into the first category. its main virtue is that it is the first book length study of Monsivais' work written in English, and also it is the first study to consider all of the disperse Monsivais bibliography, which includes an overwhelming number of texts published in newspapers, journals, magazines and some other elusive media. Egan's reading basically focuses on the role of Monsivais' work within the constitution of a Mexican culture. It serves well its purpose, since its excellent writing makes this book a great introduction for those not familiar with Monsivais. Also, its deep research, interesting insights and careful readings will definitely consolidate Egan's book as the authoritative reference to Monsivais's work. I would have given the book five stars if I haven't found both things that bothered me. First, the book does not take into consideration important essays about Monsivais written in Mexico, such as the two Evodio Escalante includes in his book "Las metaforas de la critica" or the praising essay written by Christopher Dominguez Michael in "Servidumbre y grandeza de la vida literaria". Also, in the introduction, Egan makes an enormous mistake. She claims that Monsivais's column, "Por mi madre bohemios" is named like that because it is some sort of mock inside a patriarchal society. Actually, this assertion only means that Egan ignores the actual source of the column's title, which is the most known verse of the 19th century poem "Brindis del bohemio", a poem widely known in the Mexican popular culture, which, by the way, is one of the most antifeminist poems in Mexican tradition. Monsivais includes it because the poem has been regarded as ridiculous in the Mexican elite and quoting it has a sense of mock, just as the quotes with which Monsivais constructs his column. Other than that, the book is pretty solid and a must have for anyone interested in Mexican culture.