HISTORY BOOK TITLES
CINCO DE MAYO: An Illustrated History. Cabello-Argandoña, Roberto Nuestra Historia Series. 208 pgs. $24.95 ISBN: 978-1-888205-05-6 Includes illus. and biblio.
Clásicos de la Literatura Hispanoamericana Colonial en su Contexto Sociohistórico
. Dr. Clary Loisel. ISBN: 978-0-915745-97-5. $24.95The Druglord by Peter Neissa
Latina Icons: Iconos Femeninos Latinos e hispanoamericanos. Edited by María Claudia André.La Mujer Latina Series ISBN: 978-0-915745-85-2. Floricanto Press, 2006. $26.95
Latina Filmmakers and Writers: The Notion of Chicanisma Through Films and Novellas. Jenny Dean. ISBN: 978-0-9796457-1-6. $26.95
History Titles
Dictatorship: The Imposition of U.S. Culture on Latin America Through Translation. By Peter A. Neissa. ISBN:
978-1-888205-10-7 304 Pgs. $26.95This book focuses on how a dictator or a culturally dominant power can use language to impose cultural values. As an instrument of power, language is used by a dictator to educate, induce, or manipulate a nation's citizens into acting in accordance with the ruling power's cultural values and beliefs. Jorge Zalamea's El Gran Burundún-Burundá ha muerto, Gabriel García Márquez's El otoño del patriarca, and Mario Vargas Llosa's La fiesta del Chivo draw attention to how the use of the vernacular can resist cultural imposition by employing specific words in order to represent its own culture and nature of reality. The original significance of these words is then altered in the translated text creating a new meaning determined by the dictator's or translator's ideology and usage. The new words that have substituted the original ones reveal how the construction of language defines relationships of power and resistance between a dictator and his nation, or between one culture and another, such as the relations of the United States over Latin America. The analysis of this relationship will provide an understanding of how language functions as an instrument for the imposition of power to gain or maintain cultural or political supremacy. Peter A. Neissa was born in Bogota, Colombia, and received a Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies from Boston College and a Masters from Harvard University. At Boston College, he earned the Donald J. White Teaching Excellence Award. He also taught Spanish Language and Latin American Literature at Harvard University where he earned the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning for eight consecutive semesters. Dr. Neissa has published articles and book reviews as well as two historical novels: The Druglord and Under False Colors, which trace the history of Colombian drug trafficking. Dr. Neissa is currently the Chair of the Spanish Department at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. Cervantes observed that reading a text in translation is like looking at the back of a tapestry. Neissa wrestles with some of the issues implied in this statement in his scrutiny of the distortions, imperfections, and misrepresentations to which the transference of texts from Spanish to English inevitably lead in the case of three novels of dictatorship by Zalamea, Garcia Marquez, and Vargas Llosa. This is due not only to the paradox and power of the written word within specific cultural contexts, but also to the difficulties, dangers, and at times even abuses, that come from "passing off" a text from one language to another. The end result is that accuracy, authenticity, and truth are often sacrificed for the sake of ideological priorities, political correctness, and hegemonic control. Ironically, these are the same consequences of dictatorial tactics exercised at the expense of individuality and freedom that are portrayed in the very texts selected for this compelling comparative study that will appeal to scholars and lay readers alike. Harry L. Rosser, Latin American Literature & Area Studies, Associate Professor, Latin American Literature, Director, Latin American Studies, Boston College.
CINCO DE MAYO: An Illustrated History.
It presents an illustrated narrative probing the historical, political and
international factors that led to the Battle of Puebla of 1862 from
pre-Independence to the War of In dependence, international conflicts, War of
Reform and the subsequent political and economic crisis of Mexico. It covers the
political crisis in Mexico and the United States, itself in the midst of a civil
war, and the somber prospects of foreign invasion in Mexico by three major world
powers, Spain, Britain and France. It examines the question of the foreign debt,
the allied invasion in Mexico in 1861, the subsequent departure of the Spanish
and British forces and the extent of the French Intervention. It provides a most
detailed account of the forces and activities of the French and Mexican sides,
during the last three days before, the day of and the day after the battle
itself. Examines also the inspiring history of a triumphant Chicano general,
Ignacio Zaragoza, (1829-1862), born in a period of international conflicts and
forced to flee from his home as a youth because of the American settler's revolt
in Texas in 1836. It includes nine patriotic poems (Spanish-English parallel
text) written in California between 1864 and 1865 commemorating CINCO DE MAYO
and published for the first time in monographic form. Unquestionably, this is
the definitive history book on The Battle of Puebla on the Cinco de Mayo, 1862.
“This is an amazingly interesting work of historical narrative on Cinco de Mayo dating from 1861, California 1864-1865, and its geopolitical ramifications; ably introduced with a compilation of illustrations from the period…” Dr. G.K. Namazie
Roberto Cabello-Argandoña has been writing about the French Intervention in Mexico for many years. His main preoccupation has constantly been to bring to light the main historical lessons from a failed foreign occupation, the ever presence of enemies within and without, and the resiliency of the Mexican people and their boundless yearns for freedom and respect.
Waves of Recovery: The Life of an Advocate of Latino Civil Rights. By Maurice Jourdane. ISBN: 978-0-915745-95-1 $26.95
This a riveting personal account of Maurice Jourdane--currently a Superior Court Judge and a member of Jerry Brown's California Attorney General's Office--leading to his legal representation and advocacy for farm workers and César Chávez's organizing efforts. Mo's life reads like a Greek mythic tale in which the hero suffers and endures moral and physical endurance in his quest, his now legendary legal fights and successes against the powerful California growers and agricultural interests in court. This biography is a testament to human strength in behalf of justice for Latinos. The success of César Chávez's civil rights movement and union organizing efforts cannot be fully understood without knowledge of the life and sacrifices of Maurice Jourdane, El Cortito. His legal successes, at great personal costs, solidified Chávez's leadership and prepared the way for the consolidation of the Farm Workers' Union, and ultimately for the farm workers to prevail against the powerful political and economic interests of the California growers. Roberto Cabello-Argandoña, Editor.
Latina Filmmakers and Writers: The Notion of Chicanisma Through Films and Novellas. Jenny Dean. ISBN: 978-0-9796457-1-6. $26.95
During the Chicano Movement in the 1960s and 1970s, Chicanas helped Chicanos achieve equal rights, while at the same time suffered oppression as women wihin their own race. In the 1970s, the Chicana Feminist Movement was founded to address the specific needs of Chicanas as women of color in the United States. Chicana artists began to write and produce works in which Chicanas were given a proper name, voice, and image. Soon, Chicanisma, a sense of sisterhood and feminist discourse, emerged to confront the triple oppression of race, class, and gender. Latina Filmmakers and Writers: The Notion of Chicanisma Through Films and Novellas examines the works of seven celebrated Latinas who collectively represent a 20-year history of Chicanisma: Chicana (a film by Sylvia Morales), Puppet: A Chicano Novella (a book by Margarita Cota-Cárdenas), La Ofrenda: The Days of the Dead (a film by Lourdes Portillo and Susana Muñoz), Paletitas de Guayaba (a book by Erlinda Gonzáles-Berry), El Espejo/The Mirror (a film by Frances Salomé España) and Loving Pedro Infante (a book by Denise Chávez). These works demystify masculine power and offer realistic portrayals of Chicanas and give them a rightful name, image, and voice in American culture.
"Dean provides a thoughtful and honest account of ... the concept of Chicanisma. Latina Filmmakers and Writers cleverly situates Chicana literature and film at the perilous yet unique intersection of class, gender and race ...and weaves a Chicana feminist theory and original oral history research " Guisela Latorre, University of California. Santa Barbara.
"This book deals with the voices and works of Latinas [whose voices]... must be heard since they elaborate on the concept of "Chicanisma."This is an important new book in the development of Chicana Studies and Latina thought. Kudos!" Dr. Luzma Umpierre, Human Rights Advocate.
"...This book... is a must read text for contemporary society. ...[it] will be most helpful in Chicana and Chicano Studies, Women and Feminist Studies, Ethnic Studies, and Cultural Studies in understanding the experiences and issues concerning diversity in a postmodern situation." Dr. T. Osa Hidalgo de la Riva
Clásicos de la Literatura Hispanoamericana Colonial en su Contexto Sociohistórico. Dr. Clary Loisel. ISBN: 978-0-915745-97-5. $24.95
Esta monografía va dirigida a los lectores que ya tienen un conocimiento básico de la literatura hispanoamericana colonial pero que quieren un análisis más profundo de algunas obras principales del canon. Este libro sobre la literatura colonial constituye un esfuerzo por reunir el testimonio de nueve escritores de los siglos XVI y XVII que han expresado algunas experiencias y vicisitudes principales de varios pueblos de Hispanoamérica para acercarse a su identidad nacional y artística. Seleccioné a estas figuras por sus contribuciones únicas a las letras hispanas. El tema central de este libro es la transformación y la "nativización" de los modelos peninsulares por los escritores del Nuevo Mundo. Es mi esperanza que, volviendo a estudiar a estos autores y obras, podamos comenzar a comprender mejor una pequeña parte de la enorme producción literaria de los dos siglos después de la llegada de Cristóbal Colón en 1492. Divido el libro en dos partes principales: "El Siglo XVI: Literatura de la Conquista" y "El Siglo XVII: El Barroco, Arte Hispánico". Al principio de cada parte hay una introducción sobre el marco histórico-social así como de las corrientes estéticas de cada época. Cada uno de los nueve capítulos se dedica a las biografías y al análisis de la obra de los autores seleccionados: Hernán Cortés, Bernal Díaz del Castillo, Alonso de Ercilla y Zúñiga, El Inca Garcilazo de la Vega, Bernardo de Balbuena, Juan Ruiz de Alarcón, Juan del Valle Caviedes, Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora y Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.
"El lector se siente atraído a la lectura de Clásicos de la Literatura Hispanoamericana Colonial por la claridad de su presentación y por la curiosidad de ciertos detalles que me han animado a releer a algunos escritores de la literatura colonial, por ejemplo a Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz". Ramón Corro, Profesor de Español Emeritus; University of Montana.
"Este libro muestra de forma muy clara la transformación de los modelos literarios españoles realizados por diferentes autores en el Nuevo Mundo. Por lo tanto, puede servir como recurso útil para el profesor así como texto de trasfondo para el estudiante de letras renacentistas y barrocas". Robert S. Stone, Profesor Asociado; US Naval Academy.
"Clásicos de la Literatura Hispanoamericana Colonial , por el profesor Clary Loisel, es un aporte importante a los estudios hispanoamericanos coloniales. Es de gran utilidad para un público general y para especialistas". Mark Cox, Profesor Asociado de Español; Presbyterian College.
"Con Clásicos de la Literatura Hispanoamericana Colonial , Clary Loisel ha sabido abarcar las obras claves de la literatura colonial con la precisión y erudición necesarias para el especialista y con la claridad y llaneza para el gran público". Andre Moskowitz, City University of New York Graduate Center
Latina Icons: Iconos Femeninos Latinos e hispanoamericanos. Edited by María Claudia André.La Mujer Latina Series ISBN: 978-0-915745-85-2. Floricanto Press, 2006. $26.95
This book brings the most prominent Latina icons, popular female figures, and offers the most important clear description of the process of iconization of famous cherished Latin American women. It attempts to define and provide meaning to these notable women within the context of popular symbols and the function these women played in the construction of their individual and collective Latina identity. These articles, written by well-known Latin Americanists, many of them Latinos themselves, reflect a most revealing landscape of iconization of these women ranging from religious, political, and popular sectors. These figures help us understand the complex discursive process of the creation of popular female images, and the influence that institutions and cultural
traditions play in their creation. La Malinche, the movie actress María Félix, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, María Ilonza, Frida Khalo, Selena, Yemayá, Carmen Miranda, and Malena, the woman object of a most notable Tango, are among the figures discussed in this highly recommended book.Esta colección de ensayos explora los procesos de representación y de iconización de algunas de las figuras femeninas más prominentes de América Latina. En ella se intenta definir qué significado tienen estas figuras dentro del contexto popular y determinar cuál es la función que desempeñan en la construcción de una identidad colectiva e individual. Los ensayos aquí incluidos presentan un revelador panorama sobre las múltiples articulaciones entre lo religioso, lo político y lo popular que nos permite vislumbrar no sólo la compleja red discursiva que circula a través de los diversos medios de producción cultural, sino también establecer el nivel de participación e influencia que ejercen de los organismos institucionales en la construcción de símbolos, imágenes y tradiciones culturales. La Malinche, la actriz del cine María Félix, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, María Ilonza, Frida Khalo, Selena, Yamayá, Carmen Miranda, y Malena, la mujer centro del tango mas famoso escrito, son las figuras femeninas aquí discutidas extensivamente en este extraordinario libro.
BETWEEN BORDERS: ESSAYS ON MEXICANA/CHICANA HISTORY.
This is remarkable classic and unsurpassed book of original research and interpretive essays on the history of the Mexicana/Chicana. Collected here are twenty-five essays by an international group of scholars who discuss methods, content and critical theoretical concerns of Chicana historiography to date. Together these writings comprise an unprecedented collection of studies on Mexican women in the United States. Part I of this book examines theoretical approaches useful to Chicana history and argues important distinctions between Chicana and women's history in general. Part II follows with a discussion on method and sources for Chicana historiography and draws on colonial census data such as marriage, baptismal and burial records, as well as archival material, oral history, and literature as historical sources. The working class experiences and labor activism of Mexican women before and during this country's Great Depression begin the discussion in Part III which then turns to the question of undocumented female labor in the United States and clandestine garment work in Mexico City today. An overview of Mexico's working class women's movement, its advances and setbacks over the century, closes this section. Part IV examines the impact of gender ideology, patriarchal structures, and feminist activism on male/female relations and social structure for Mexico and the southwest of the United States. The bibliography cites over 500 interdisciplinary items important to Mexicana/Chicana studies, Mexican immigration, and Hispanic Americans in general. Latino books, Hispanic books, Mexican immigration, Mexican illegal immigration
Adelaida R. Del Castillo has researched the daily survival strategies of female-headed households in squatter settlements in Mexico City. She is co-editor with Magdalena Mora author of Mexican women in the United States: Struggles Past and Present.
Remnants of Crypto-Jews Among Hispanic Americans. By Gloria Golden, Edited by Andrea Alessandra Cabello, University of California, Berkeley, and Sohaib Raihan. Floricanto Press. ISBN: 0-915745-56-9
Hidden deep in the heart of the American Southwest among the larger Hispanic population are descendants of the Sephardim, Jews from Spain and Portugal. Five hundred years after their expulsion from Spain remnants of Judaism are still practiced within Southwestern Hispanic communities. Often unaware of their origins, conversos have revealed, through oral history, how the ancestral faith of the Crypto-Jews has been passed on from generation to generation.
Tina Modotti's Mexico: A Tale of Love & Revolution, by Bonnie Hayman. Edited by Andrea Alessandra Cabello, UC Berkeley. ISBN: 0-915745-40-2 $39.95 Hardbound
Hayman situates Modotti (1896-1942) profoundly within her social period from her emigration to San Francisco to a full-fledged member of the intellectual wing of the Mexican Communist Party. She became the lover of Cuban revolutionary Julio Antonio Mella and when he was murdered, Modotti became the main suspect. When the Mexican president was assassinated, she was accused and deported. She returned to Mexico many years later and lived alone in a small cottage until her mysterious death in a taxi at age 46. Octavio Paz claimed that Modotti belonged “more to the history of passions than to the history of ideologies.”
Love & Riot: Oscar Zeta Acosta and the great Mexican American Revolt. With Preamble by Diego Vigil with the assistance of Richard E. Vigil, Nome de guerre, Mangas Coloradas. Edited by Andrea Alessandra Cabello. $39.95 Hardbound
August 29, 2002 --
ISBN: 0-915745-29-1 $39.95 Price for class use $28.95
Brown Buffalo, as he was known in the
barrios
of Los Angeles among
street people,
at the height of the riots in in the late 1960’s
and 70’s, was the epitome of the Movimiento. He was smart, rebellious,
unpredictable, occasionally high on drugs, but terrifyingly honest to himself
and the world. This is the story of the rage and fury that swept
LA
during the gestation of the Movimiento Chicano
and of the remarkable life of Oscar Zeta Acosta—a radical
civil-rights
lawyer
who defended Chicano
activists,
won new rights for Latinos,
and challenged the LA establishment.
REGIONS OF LA RAZA: CHANGING INTERPRETATIONS OF MEXICAN AMERICAN
REGIONAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
Ríos-Bustamante, Antonio. 1992 450 pgs. (pbk) ISBN: 0915745240 Includes maps,
photos, illus, biblio., $35.00 Price for class use $26.00
This book presents a comprehensive study of regional Mexican American history and
culture including important aspects of the history of Nuevo México, Alta California,
Arizona, Tejas and Colorado during the eighteenth through the twentieth century. These
contributions attempt to present a clearer understanding of regional history of the
Mexican people and their various communities throughout the Southwest. This represents the
maturation and an important step for reflective and interpretive Mexican American regional
historiography.
MEXICAN LOS ANGELES: A NARRATIVE AND PICTORIAL HISTORY.
LITERATURA CHICANA: CREATIVE AND CRITICAL WRITINGS THROUGH 1984.
1985 95 pgs. ISBN: 0915745046 Roberto Trujillo and Andrés Rodríguez compilers. $25.95
The most complete and comprehensive, if not most significant, compilation of
Chicano creative writings, which have been published through 1984 as a monograph or as
part of a serial publication. This seminal bibliographic guide, largely acclaimed by the
review media, brings together all creative writings by Chicano authors published in
monograph forms, books, pamphlets or in serial publications. Most highly recommended for
all public and academic libraries and for class use. It includes indexes. A supplement for
1985 and onward is in preparation.