Mexico: The Land of Charm


Book Description

A sumptuous clothbound compendium of modern Mexican ephemera from postage stamps to tourist guides This volume gathers a surprising and engaging sampling of more than 500 pieces of printed matter: material that circulated between the 1910s and the 1960s, with print runs of anywhere from a thousand to tens of thousands of copies. These ephemeral, utilitarian publications--many created by well-known artists and designers--flooded streets, newspaper stands, bookshops and homes, with the common aim of disseminating an idealized image of what is considered typically Mexican. Drawn from private collections and the holdings of museums, with no claim to completeness, the material in Mexico: The Land of Charmranges in size from stamps to posters, and includes material such as books, illustrated magazines, photography magazines, songbooks and musical scores, almanacs and calendars, tourist guides and maps. The result is impressive, in terms of both individual examples and the collection as a whole: these images are now a part of Mexican history. Artists and designers include: José Espert Arcos, Ernesto García Cabral, Jean Charlot, Francisco Díaz de León, Carlos Neve, Mariano Martínez, Carlos Mérida, Diego Rivera, Saturino Herrán, Emily Edwards and Zita Canessi.




Mexican Textiles


Book Description

Whether its a hand-woven sarape, a festive square of oilcloth, or a delicate trimming of lace, Mexican textiles reflect passionate appreciation for color, pattern, and design. In the dazzling pages of Mexican Textiles, photographer and Mexican art aficionado Masako Takahashi shares her love of the form, taking readers on a journey through this sun-drenched land. She visits artisan workshops, weaving centers, lace makers, and family-owned rug manufacturers for an inside view of how traditional fabrics are designed, dyed, woven, and finished. Takahashi also takes her camera into scores of unique homes to show how new and antique woven treasures are used to advantage in modern dcor. In the text, readers discover insightful notes on regional differences, history, technique, and tips for identifying quality materials and craftsmanship. Overflowing with exuberance and creative ideas, and including a resource section listing the major textile markets and vendors throughout Mexico, Mexican Textiles is an indispensable resource book for appreciating and collecting artfully crafted Mexican fabrics.




Beautiful Mexico


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Revealing Mexico


Book Description

2010 marks two important events in Mexico's history: the bicentennial of its independence from Spain and the centennial of the Mexican Revolution. The eyes of the world will focus on this coutnry drenched in culture and history. For eight years, photographer John Mack and writer Susanne Steines crisscrossed Mexico photographing its vibrant urban and rural life, its stunning architecture, striking landscapes and captivating people. With roughly 200 images representing all 31 states, Revealing Mexico offers a poetic vista of Mexico's landscape today.




My Sweet Mexico


Book Description

After years spent traveling and sampling sweets throughout her native Mexico, celebrated pastry chef Fany Gerson shares the secrets behind her beloved homeland’s signature desserts in this highly personal and authoritative cookbook. Skillfully weaving together the rich histories that inform the country’s diverse culinary traditions, My Sweet Mexico is a delicious journey into the soul of the cuisine. From yeasted breads that scent the air with cinnamon, anise, sugar, fruit, and honey, to pushcarts that brighten plazas with paletas and ice creams made from watermelon, mango, and avocado, Mexican confections are like no other. Stalwarts like Churros, Amaranth Alegrías, and Garibaldis—a type of buttery muffin with apricot jam and sprinkles—as well as Passion Fruit–Mezcal Trifle and Cheesecake with Tamarind Sauce demonstrate the layering of flavors unique to the world of dulces. In her typical warm and enthusiastic style, Gerson explains the significance of indigenous ingredients such as sweet maguey plants, mesquite, honeys, fruits, and cacao, and the happy results that occur when combined with Spanish troves of cinnamon, wheat, fresh cow’s milk, nuts, and sugar cane. In chapters devoted to breads and pastries, candies and confections, frozen treats, beverages, and contemporary desserts, Fany places cherished recipes in context and stays true to the roots that shaped each treat, while ensuring they’ll yield successful results in your kitchen. With its blend of beloved standards from across Mexico and inventive, flavor-forward new twists, My Sweet Mexico is the only guide you need to explore the delightful universe of Mexican treats.




The Story of Mexico


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Life in Mexico


Book Description

Originally published in 1843, Fanny Calderon de la Barca, gives her spirited account of living in Mexico–from her travels with her husband through Mexico as the Spanish diplomat to the daily struggles with finding good help–Fanny gives the reader an enlivened picture of the life and times of a country still struggling with independence.




Gringos in Paradise


Book Description

In a lighthearted, uplifting, yet practical account, Golson details the year he and his wife spent building their dream house in Mexico for this first fun and informative chronicle of the new trend of retiring south of the border. Photos.




A Country of Vast Designs


Book Description

ROBERT MERRY’S BRILLIANT AND HIGHLY ACCLAIMED HISTORY OF A CRUCIAL EPOCH IN U.S. HISTORY. In a one-term presidency, James K. Polk completed the story of America’s Manifest Destiny—extending its territory across the continent by threatening England with war and manufacturing a controversial and unpopular two-year war with Mexico.