Reddit mentions of The Mexico Reader: History, Culture, Politics (The Latin America Readers)

Yep, I gotcha right here. I've read several surveys on Mexico history, as well as a few more in depth books on particular subjects and eras of Mexico. I second the recommendations made here of "Born in Blood and Fire", as well as the "Brief History of Mexico." Both very solid.

However! If you want to read one single (and very large) book on Mexico that will give you the best feel for the country's wildly interesting history, I strongly recommend Gilbert Joseph's, The Mexico Reader: History, Culture, Politics. Without going on and on about this book, I'll just say this: After reading this book, you will feel like you just finished an undergraduate course on the history of Mexico. It is huge, rich, and diverse, including a lot of material written by historical actors themselves. A great book that does its job.

Product description:
>This massive compilation of articles, essays, poetry, and photographs provides a wonderful introduction to the history and culture of Mexico. Joseph and Henderson are both historians with extensive backgrounds in Latin American and Mexican history. They have selected an eclectic mix of writers, many of them Mexican, including Carlos Fuentes and Octavio Paz. Topics range from the origins and growth of the Aztec Empire to the causes of the Mexican Revolution to the problems facing modern Mexico. There are well-thought-out political tracts here, as well as screeds against political corruption and economic exploitation that drip with outrage. What emerges is a portrait of the "many Mexicos" in which the wealthy, the growing middle class, and the impoverished indigenous peoples are all struggling to find their place in an exciting and rapidly changing land. This work is ideal for general readers, and one hopes it will encourage many to read and learn more about this important and diverse nation.

Secondly, seeing that you are in the "borderlands", you might want to look into the works of David Weber, on the Spanish frontier, often looking at the region before the U.S. was around. Similarly, DeLay's new book, War of a Thousand Deserts: Indian Raids and the U.S.-Mexican War is tits. It looks at Commanche and Apache "empires" of the southwest and their effects on colonization efforts by the Spanish, Mexicans, and Americans. (likewise is "Commanche Empire", by Hammalienen) There are so many great books, such an interesting area and peoples. Good luck!