The People's Guide to Mexico continues to be THE guidebook for learning about Mexico, its people, culture and places, from an insightful author(s) who have been traveling and living in Mexico for over 30 years. A Caveat: if you are looking for a humorless, factual guide to four and five star resorts, and only like to travel first class or stay at global chain hotels, THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOU. If you enjoy irreverence, humor, colorful stories, personal experience and gaining real insight- rare in the tourist guidebook genre- about the very different, yet welcoming, culture next door, then this IS your book. (I was raised in Mexico and live in the USA, exactly opposite of Carl, Lorena et al- but I love these guys, and used to carry a battered old edition- wish I still had it!- in my VW bus when I traveled throughout Mexico and Central America in it after military service and Vietnam. I re-read it many a time, and it was my #1 book... ¡Muchas gracias! Carl y amigos...)

This book is a joy for people who:
·Have been to Mexico
·Have never been to Mexico
·Are planning to go to Mexico
·Want to say home and read about Mexico
·Want to learn about a Mexico that is not defined by the major tourist areas
·But most importantly, people who want to hear about Mexico from someone who has had many enjoyable trips to Mexico and loved every minute of those trips.

The author imparts his love of the people, culture, food, and country through stories that are not connected so you can pick up the book and begin reading where you please. The book is filled with stories that are make-you-laugh-out-loud thigh slappers.

Through the years I continue to enjoy this book, and often pick it up looking for favorite stories. Each time it brings back fond memories of the Mexico I know from my own trips and the wonderful picture Carl has weaved for me.

Buy, read, and enjoy!

A great book which ilustrated me about this part of the history of my country. All these events are not so known in Guatemala, and it was great to have the chance to know a lot more about them. As guatemalan people use to do, I don't publish my name.

In "Shattered Hope" author Piero Gleijeses exposes the ruthlessness and tyrrany of US imperial policy in Guatemala.

"Shattered Hope" relates how, in 1944, a revolution there overthrew a vicious, US-backed tyrant, leading to the establishment of Jacobo Arbenz's democratic government modeled after Roosevelt's New Deal. From 1944 to 1954, successful independent economic development which forsook US interests and attended to the needs of Guatemala's poor was initiated.

"Shattered Hope" illustrates how Arbenz's reform-based policies caused hysteria in the US as Eisenhower and Dulles warned that the policies of Guatemala, based on independent nationalism, were a threat to the security of the US and its imperialist Monroe Doctrine. The situation in Guatemala was adverse to US interests because of the "Communist" influence based on militant advocacy of social reforms and nationalistic policies.

As is noted in "Shattered Hope" the fact that Dulles had financial interests in the United Fruit Company was essential to the formation of US policy towards Guatemala. The nationalist policies of the Arbenz government, including the persecution of foreign economic interests, especially the United Fruit Company, had gained the support or acquiescence of almost all Guatemalans. The Arbenz government was proceeding to mobilize the hitherto politically inert peasantry while undermining the power of large landholders.

"Shattered Hope" illustrates how this was just too much for Dulles and the US which, from 1952 to 1954 orchastrated a coup, desposing Arbenz and subjecting Guatemala to 40 years of terror, murder and poverty.

One of the more objective and lucid accounts of Guatemala's tragic post-war history, "Shattered Hope" provides readers with a intelligible account of CIA-manufactured destabilization which has been transposed upon myriad nations around the world by the US.

For some 20 years since I discovered that the book I had is a 1st draft with a cover page addressed to Augustus H.Harvemeyer(?) and Peter F. Lorillard, have endevored to get much past the first 5 chapters.The woodcut or tin prints are incredibly detailed, each with a world of information to those willing to take the time to study them. Although Mr.Charnay occasionally wonders from his original train of thought, the book is an incredible piece of work, for its time and the effort that went into researching the subject covered. The significance of the signed cover page is the two names mentioned funded his expiditions to Central America.

This classic study of Antigua Guatemala's colonial buildings is back in print after twenty years. It is clearly the classic work in the field. The result of thirty years of field work it documents the churches, public buildings and private homes in colonial Antigua.

"Anyone interested in Latin American history will enjoy this myth-and-stereotype-shattering study of Mayan cultural and national identity. Thick with novelistic detail and anecdote, brilliantly and imaginatively researched, totally engrossing in its melding of convincing analysis and strong narrative sweep, Grandin takes us to a 'high place' and guides us back over the tangled, treacherous paths that led there"

I'll admit to being skewed here, as the author has been a friend of my family since I was four years old (we in fact met Nigel and his family in the travels depicted in this book). But reading it for the first time years later, it is a fascinating look into the indigenous cultures of Mexico, et. al., as seen through the eyes of a Briton travelling with his family. Even though these travels were in the early 1970s, they retain a certain timelessness while reflecting what has in many ways already become a bygone age. Nigel has a rare talent for being able to tell the whole story without getting bogged down in so much detail that it makes you want to chuck the book into the nearest trashcan. A great read for students of Latin American culture, and for fans of travellers' tales.

Used this book extensively when we cruised the Caribbean and never had a reason to criticize any information. Entry and exit instructions were explict and correct. We did exactly as he recommended and had no problems. Direction for sailding from Cuba to Mexico were right on and tips about sailing down the Mexican coast were helpful. Belize info was great as was the info about Guatemala!

The author makes a valuable addition to the dialogue on democracy by not only incorporating older approaches but also moving beyond them. Based on both archival sources and original interview data, this revised dissertation provides cogent arguments, lucid writing, and credible references. The book weaves together two perspectives on democratization often viewed as mutually exclusive: structural and agency approaches. It integrates these two by introducing a third approach: political coalition-building. The author's postulates are tested by examining the histories of Costa Rica and Guatemala. The histories of these two countries actually provide three case studies: one example in each country where democratization failed, and one example in Costa Rica where it succeeded. By introducing a new emphasis on the importance to democratization of the mobilization of the countryside, the author sheds new light on known historical events. She also emphasizes that not only the timing but also the sequencing of events is important in attempts at democratization. Finally, other conditions necessary to the emergence and permanence of democracy are identified for use in future studies. This book should enliven the debate on democratizatio

I am sure that i wouldike to review your book but first i would like to read it.

This book traces the artistit progression of Elmar Rojas from the earliest days through the most recent times. Unlike many artist his basic style has altered little during the many decades. The notable change is simply in the refinement and technique. The subject of Gatemalten history and mythology remains as strong or stronger today that at the inception. Figures are more mysterious and color is more vibrant. WE recommed this book to any art collector or simply someone that wants a complete art history library.