This is not a simple introduction to Mexican history, culture, and politics, but an advanced reading that requires the student to have a strong knowledge of Mexican history, culture, and politics prior to reading.The essays throughout the book make references to people, places and events that are assumed to be known. For example, early on, the editors make a reference to Agustín de Iturbide without context. If you've never read a book on Mexican history, this is one of those things that may confuse the reader (who is that? why is he important? etc, etc).That said, while the book is well laid out with strong editorial comments, I can only recommend it to those that have intermediate to advanced knowledge of Mexico's history, culture and politics prior to reading. At which point, the book is brilliant.