The Reader's Companion to Mexico

by Alan Ryan

Release Date: 16 July, 1995

Edition: Paperback

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fascinating

A truly fascinating book. This is not a travel book one would get to learn about hotel rooms and restaurants and tourist sites, but what a wonderful insight into the fascinating culture of Mexico. And by really good writers! The material dates from 1888 to 1978, but time is not so much the issue as insight and perspective. Top notch armchair travel book, and a good book to read before going there for background on a different culture.

Hardly up to date, yet facinating reading

Finding an up-to-date travel guide is the never-ending search. So why bother?

The selections in this collection are VERY dated (from 1888 to 1987) commentaries by VERY dated but, in their time, VERY famous artists, musicians, scientists and writers. The editor's introductions to each piece do a great job of connecting the authors and times and setting the scenes.

From D H Lawrence and Katherine Anne Porter to Langston Hughes and Graham Greene to Paul Theroux and John Steinbeck, these portraits of their times in Mexico are valuable comments on the way things were. If you're going beyond the casual visits to Mexican resorts (been there ...) and are interested in the character of the country, this book is well worth reading AND owning.