Use of Spanish terms and phrases has been minimized in this history of Mexico for students in high school and up. The reference follows the nation's political, social, and economic development, and offers a portrait of Mexico today. The first half of the book discusses the arrival of the first peoples and their society, their eventual conquest by the Spanish, and Mexico's attempts at self-rule in the 19th century. The second half of the book concentrates on Mexico's history from Porfirio Diaz in 1876 through the revolutionary and modern periods. This second edition contains a chapter on events since the 2000 election. The book is illustrated with b&w historical photos, and includes a timeline, an extensive list of notable figures, and a bibliographic essay of English-language works on specific historical periods. Kirkwood is professor of history at the University of Evansville. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)