Product Description

From the ancient geological rumblings that formed the city's unique setting to the recent tremors that devastated the city in 1985, the capital's complex story unfolds. The countless individuals, both famous and unknown, who shaped Mexico' history come alive . . . they prosper, decline, and rise again before being extinguished by political and social upheavals beyond their control.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #775002 in Books
• Published on: 1990-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 640 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Kandell's panoramic, compelling chronicle of Mexico City is in large measure a history of Mexico itself. The Spanish colonizers dreamt they would impose two separate "republics"Spanish and Indianbut from the ashes of Herman Cortes's conquest rose a volatile, multiracial society. After creoles threw off Spanish rule in 1821 and won Mexico's independence, a new elite of military officials and entrepreneurs arose. Corruption, favoritism and betrayal of the common people by their leaders has been the norm ever since, according to Kandell, who was raised in Mexico City, was a New York Times correspondent there and is the author of Passage Through El Dorado. He carries the story right up to the recent succession of disgraced presidents and the new bureaucracy's co-option of artists and intellectuals. This rich, 704-page portrait limns near-psychotic Montezuma, venal Santa Anna, self-mythologizing Diego Rivera and many others against a backdrop of political turmoil and violence. Photos. History Book Club alternate.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Kandell, former Latin American correspondent for the New York Times and a native of Mexico City, has written a magnificent 700-year history of the first big city of the new world, today its largest. The author read widely in memoirs, novels, government documents, and the standard works. No topics are ignored, and the treatment is fair, not an easy accomplishment given the relation of the races and of Mexico and the United States, both of which receive considerable attention. Through a kaleidoscope of sensual and idiosyncratic impressions of Mexico City, Kandell shows us humanity. A universal work. History Book Club alternate. Ren e P erez-L opez, Virginia Wesleyan Coll. Lib., Norfolk
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

A gem, fact filled history, written beautifully
As a resident of Mexico City, who has studied its history, La Capital by Jonathan Kandell is the finest example of what a history book can be. It reads like a page-turner mystery and the publisher should hang their head in shame that the book has not been reprinted. I'll run out today and buy whatever copies are left in Mexico, to give as gifts in the future.

La Capital - A Great Read
Anyone at all interested in Mexico should read this book. This book is written in a style ala James Mitchner. It deals with a huge period of time, starting before the time of the Aztecs and moves through to modern times. The author keeps it exciting and accurate. He covers the highlights of Mexico City and because of it's governmental centralization, the Country of Mexico itself, without becoming overly bogged down in detail. If you are a fan of historical novels, this is a book you won't be able to put down.

I wish I could read it again for the first time!
When I finished reading the book I looked up with a sad expression on my face. When my friend saw how sad I was at finishing the book she suggested that I "read it again". I made the mistake of not getting a copy of my own. I have been looking for a copy since then, without results. Do you know where I may find a copy?