Encyclopedia of Mexico by Michael S. Werner (Editor)Call Number: Butler Reference R972 En19 & ebook
ISBN: 1884964311
Publication Date: 1997-10-01
Both print and ebook. More than 300 scholars from across seven countries have collaborated to provide a multidisciplinary encyclopedia. Historical in scope, the 500-plus entries are alphabetically arranged to provide the most direct access, taking into consideration the needs of the nonspecialist.
Besides historical events, personalities, and institutions, the encyclopedia provides surveys on the events and processes of the history, society, and culture of Mexico. The subjects covered tend to emphasize the humanities and social sciences, with the sciences not as well represented. Topical essays run the gamut, including articles on agriculture, art, economics, education, foreign relations, institutions, language, law, national identities, philosophy and social thought, popular culture, regions and regionalism, religion, and more. The biographical entries include revolutionary novelist Mariano Azuela, Mexico City mayor Cuauhtemoc Cardenas, actor Catinflas, and artist Frida Kahlo. Entries may run to as few as 300 words and, depending on the topic, expand to 1,000-1,200 words. Longer thematic articles, such as banking and finance, are subdivided chronologically. A selective bibliography, emphasizing English sources, is part of each entry. There are a significant number of see also references provided at the end of each article.
In addition to the index, the editors have provided an alphabetical list of the entries in each volume. There is also a thematic outline of entries in which all the essays are grouped into four major sections: culture, economy, geography and demography, and politics. Within these major groups there are smaller divisions. The thematic outline provides the nonspecialist not familiar with Mexican culture and history an overview of how the articles relate to one another.