The Mexican War

The Mexican War is one of twenty-seven volumes in the popular Time-Life book series The Old West. This volume describes the battles and leaders of the Mexican War that began in the spring of 1846 and concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in February 1848. The prominent historical figures of this book include President James Polk, John Fremont, Stephen Watts Kearny, Winfield Scott, Zachary Taylor, and Mexican leader Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. We also get a glimpse of future Civil War leaders Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis. Author David Nevin provides detailed descriptions of the battles of Buena Vista, Cerro Gordo, Churubusco, Chapultepec, and others. There are many pictures of weapons, flags, uniforms, medals, and military equipment. Additionally, the numerous contemporary photographs, prints, paintings, and political cartoons go a long way in taking the reader back in time. Finally, there are brief explanations of the causes and effects of the war. In short, The Mexican War is a great book about one of the most important and controversial events in American history and the American West.

Although the Time-Life format from the "OLD WEST" series is used, it is great to have everything in one package!This imitation-leather covered book contains 240 pages loaded with photos of uniforms, equiptment, period artwork, medals, coins, period photographs, maps, documents, posters, autographs, cartoons, music, etc. There is so much stuff to see, that it is easy to miss the text! There is a fair mix of primary sources and secondary sources used by author David Nevin, including some interesting accounts by common soldiers and lively stories, but compression of the topics, like California's Revolt, lends itself to confusion. The story of this complex and still controversial war is probably intended for those who are new to the subject, but the objects/photos may be interesting for those who already have a good understanding of the subject matter. Add this book to your library!