Plutarco Elias Calles and the Mexican Revolution (Latin American Silhouettes) - Softcover

Buchenau, Jürgen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0742537498 ISBN 13: 9780742537491

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2006

Synopsis

The only substantive study of Plutarco Elías Calles and the Mexican Revolution, this book traces the remarkable life story of a complex and little-understood, yet key figure in Mexico's history. Jürgen Buchenau draws on a rich array of archival evidence from Mexico, the United States, and Europe to explore Calles's origins and political trajectory, ultimately leading to his reformist, yet authoritarian presidency from 1924 to 1928. After his term as president, Calles continued to exert broad influence as his country's foremost political figure; indeed, many of the institutions and laws forged during his tenure survive today. Through this comprehensive assessment of a quintessential politician in an era dominated by generals, entrepreneurs, and educated professionals, Buchenau opens an illuminating window into the Mexican Revolution and contemporary Mexico.

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Review

Jürgen Buchenau's well-crafted work provides important insights into the Mexican presidency and the Mexican state in the wake of the Revolution.--Linda B. Hall, University of New Mexico

...Jurgen Buchemau's balanced, judicious, and concise biography ably synthesizes an impressive amount of scholarly literature, and mines overlooked primary sources...--The American, January 2008

[This book] fills a very important niche in the history of postrevolutionary Mexico....This excellent and well-researched biography leaves the impression that the noncharismatic Calles may have cast a longer shadow over Mexico's history than any of these more heroic figures.--The Historian

Jürgen Buchenau's Plutarco Elías Calles and the Mexican Revolution provides a much-needed analysis of the little-understood life of Mexican strongman Plutarco Elías Calles.... Although there is much in this book for newcomers to Mexican history, specialists in the region will also benefit.... Clearly written, and easily accessible to an undergraduate audience.... A welcome addition to the newly emerging scholarship on Mexico's postrevolutionary period.--Gregory Swedberg "HAHR, May 2009 "

Few students of modern Mexico grasp the history of its twentieth-century revolution as thoroughly across its regional, national, and international dimensions as Jürgen Buchenau. Combining illuminating biographical detail with overarching context, this first serious study of one of the Revolution's most important but least understood leaders is certain to please scholars and teachers alike. A superior achievement.--Gilbert M. Joseph, Yale University

Calles lived in tumultuous times and the picture one gets from this clearly written and well-researched book offers a window on the revolution and its after-math that should be read with interest by students and scholars alike.--American Historical Review, June 2008

About the Author

Jurgen Buchenau is professor of history and director of Latin American studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0742537498
• ISBN 13: 9780742537491
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312