LA Capital : The Biography of Mexico City

Rating:
Summary: La Capital - A Great Read
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: fabulous, in-depth, comprehensive and yet fun book!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A gem, fact filled history, written beautifully
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: One-sided
Review: From all the other reviews here I really thought this was going to be a good book. I'm only partially through it and I'm already disappointed. I've read lots of fiction and non-fiction about the Aztecs and this book contains tons of contradictory information than what is found in the very few records that were salvaged after the Conquest. Jonathan Kandell constantly is quoting "the annals" -- WHAT ANNALS?? If I had a penny for each time the word annals is mentioned I could own Mexico! Kandell also takes a very one-sided look at the lives and customs of the Aztec (Mexica) people. His viewpoints are obviously swayed by the history written by the victors of the Conquest.

As for being "Michener-like" as someone said previously - Kandell doesn't even come close. Michener has a way of taking boring facts and turning them into an entertaining story. Kandell is just plain boring.

And, if it's true, as one of the other reviewers here mentioned, that George Bush recommended it as a good book - well, then shame on me for buying it - I should have known better.

As for the rest of the book (aside from pre-Hispanic history), I haven't gotten there yet. I will definitely finish this book in order to give it the benefit of the doubt, but I'm not looking forward to it.

Rating:
Summary: One-sided
Review: From all the other reviews here I really thought this was going to be a good book. I'm only partially through it and I'm already disappointed. I've read lots of fiction and non-fiction about the Aztecs and this book contains tons of contradictory information than what is found in the very few records that were salvaged after the Conquest. Jonathan Kandell constantly is quoting "the annals" -- WHAT ANNALS?? If I had a penny for each time the word annals is mentioned I could own Mexico! Kandell also takes a very one-sided look at the lives and customs of the Aztec (Mexica) people. His viewpoints are obviously swayed by the history written by the victors of the Conquest.

As for being "Michener-like" as someone said previously - Kandell doesn't even come close. Michener has a way of taking boring facts and turning them into an entertaining story. Kandell is just plain boring.

And, if it's true, as one of the other reviewers here mentioned, that George Bush recommended it as a good book - well, then shame on me for buying it - I should have known better.

As for the rest of the book (aside from pre-Hispanic history), I haven't gotten there yet. I will definitely finish this book in order to give it the benefit of the doubt, but I'm not looking forward to it.

Rating:
Summary: Well-written history of the world's largest city
Review: If you don't like to read history, or you find itboring, this book might spark your interest! Spanningthousands of years but with a great deal of interesting personal detail, La Capital reads like a thriller. An essential guide to anyone who wants to understand what Mexico City is all about and how Mexican culture has evolved to its present state.

Rating:
Summary: A delightful read
Review: La Capital tells an absorbing story by following the twists and turns of the history of Mexico City. The writing style is clear yet the author also gives a comprehensive history of the Mexican capital. Of special note are the many anecdotes which provide much of the human interest for the reader. My favourite was the story of Irma Serrena "La Tigresa", a presidential mistress.

Rating:
Summary: I wish I could read it again for the first time!
Review: This is the definitive work on history of Mexico City. For the student of Mexican history this is a well documented work. For the casual reader it reads like a novel. It should not be out of print.

Rating:
Summary: Seeking a copy
Review: Un libro que se lee sin mayor dificultad gracias al lenguaje sencillo pero preciso, y en esto radica la magia del autor que de ese modo nos motiva a continuar. Libre de tecnicismos antropológicos o históricos esta obra es recomendable para todo aquel que desee enterarse sobre México con una visión clara, veraz y hasta divertida.