MEXICO: BIOGRAPHY OF POWER

A vigorous, detailed history of Mexican politics, concentrating on the 19th and 20th centuries, and more particularly on the men who have contested for control of the nation. Journalist and historian Krauze, convinced that the nature of Mexican political life and identity have been greatly shaped by a longstanding cult of the all-powerful leader, focuses on the dominant personalities on the national scene, from the great liberator Benito Ju†rez (who led the resistance to French occupation forces in the 1860s) up to Ernesto Zedillo, elected to the presidency in 1994. His narrative has pace and color, and his analysis of dictators and heroes seems generally shrewd and persuasive (if a bit impressionistic). Those looking for a history of Mexico's turbulent national politics will find this a useful introduction. But readers expecting details on the impact of politics on Mexico's social and cultural life, on its diverse regions, and on its self-image, will likely be disappointed. (50 b&w illustrations, 4 maps, not seen)