Concise Encyclopedia of Mexico

This work, intended as a "concise version" of Encyclopedia of Mexico: History, Society, and Culture (Fitzroy Dearborn, 1998), contains approximately 250 articles taken directly from the original (which included 500-plus entries). The scope is primarily historical but spans from Mesoamerica to 1996. Included are overview essays (such as "Architecture" and "Women's Status and Occupation") and topical entries relating to the social, cultural, political, or economic composition of the country, e.g., "Massacre of Tlatelolco," "Bullfighting," "NAFTA," "Ecology," and "Telenovelas." In addition, a limited number of entries treat the usual famous individuals (Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Emiliano Zapata, Frida Kahlo, etc.). All articles include brief bibliographies of English-language works. Unfortunately, no new information has been added since the original, and the articles have not been abridged or updated; the "concision" has been attained only by omitting essays aimed at a more advanced readership and entries on individuals already mentioned in broader essays. As a result, this 2001 title is essentially a reprint of 1997 information, with articles whose length corresponds more to those of a two-volume work. Libraries should either purchase the original two-volume encyclopedia or wait for a new and truly concise alternative. The original encyclopedia is suitable for both academic and public libraries. Anna Youssefi, Rice Univ. Lib., Houston, TX
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.