Porfirio Diaz

This was an excellent introduction to the porfiriato. As with the other reviewer, I agree that it is very well written. But it is hardly the pure apology that he makes it out to be. Apparently, because the author uses actual scholarship not just polemics, that means he 'has an agenda'. Garner clearly delineates the history of the historiography of Diaz. Unlike many others, he doesn't spend time trying to score points against his opponents. Instead, he clearly points out Diaz's errors, shortcomings, and wrongs. Especially useful was his description of the various ways Diaz affected (and did not affect) Mexican calendrical culture, foreign relations, and national economics. Not a dry read, but very informative and refreshingly balanced.

This was a very compelling, well written biography. However, the author, Paul Garner, has a very specific agenda which should be noted by the reader. Garner is a self-identified member of the "Neo-Porfiriato," which, essentially, puts him in a position to defend the history of Diaz. Although he valiantly attempts to provide a fair and balanced view of the infamous dictator, he inevitably falls into a defensive mode, trying to restore Diaz's good name. Overall, it was a very informative book that I enjoyed reading. It is very off beat compared to most biographies of Diaz written over the last century. Most paint Diaz as an evil, heartless, ego maniac while Garner attempts to show a more thoughtful, loving president. I fully recommend reading this with the caveat that this biography is not in line with most biographies of Diaz. Enjoy! --Joel W.