Vigil (anthropology and Chicano(a) studies, UCLA) has transformed the long and complex history of Mexico and its relationship with Europe and eventually the U.S. into a brief and readable book. He breaks this history into four major stages: pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial, Mexican independence and nationalism, and Anglo-American and highlights each section with b&w pictures depicting the people, art, and architecture of each period. Within each section he analyzes the events and the underlying conditions that affected them, emphasizing the cultural changes the people experienced throughout each era. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)