Books

   Our ancestors knew books. (But 99% of our books were burned by the Spaniards as being works "of the devil.")  We should know books, too. 

A good place to buy from is the Midnight Special Books www.msbooks.com (mention the Mexica Movement with your order).

   Reading books is good, and best done with a critical eye. Read from our people's point of view, not the Euro-centric view. 

Books to Read

Daily Life of the Aztecs 
On the Eve of The Spanish Conquest 

by Jaques Soustelle

The best introduction book on Aztecs. Describes the society, religion, poetry, and other elements that made the Mexica-Aztecs so civilized. It explains how the Aztecs had a special view towards war, whereas the Spaniards just killed for the sake of killing. 

The author describes the Mexica as a "one of the few original civilizations that humanity can be proud of."
(A MUST READ!)

Mexico: From The Olmecs To The Aztecs  

by Michael Coe  (A MUST READ!)

THE BEST BOOK ON GENERAL MEXICAN HISTORY!
Describes all the major civilizations of Mexico (except the Maya, which he devotes a separate book to) and shows how they had a common Olmec heritage. Lots of dates from archeological evidence. Includes:

• The Olmec foundation of Anahuac civilizations
• Relevant dates from Carbon (C-14) radiocarbon dating of artifacts
• Western Mexico and the tomb cultures
• Teotihuacan and their pyramid metropolis
• The Toltecs and their awesome influence
• The Great Pyramid of Cholula (greater in volume than any pyramid in Egypt)
• La Mojarra and the mysterious Isthmian script: the earliest writing of Anahuac
• The Maya connection
• The Zapotecs
• Casas Grandes and the Chichimecs: The Northern Mexico connection
• The Aztecs and Tenochtitlan: the most powerful military empire in North America
• and more

This book teaches you how all the cultures of Mexico were united by common characteristics.

Mexico Profundo: Reclaiming A Civilization

by Guillermo Banfil Batalla

The best book on Indigenous Mexico. This archeologist from Mexico explains why "Mesoamerican" [Indigenous] culture NEVER LEFT Mexico and the people of Central America. (Only the political entity of the Aztecs left). And he says that in order for Mexico to move forward and become a great nation, it must build on the strengths of that Anahuac heritage. He says that there are really two Mexico's: an illusionary one that's made by and for White Westerners, and the other, the Mexico Profundo (the Deep Mexico), which still shapes the national psyche, especially for rural people. As he points out, 30% of Mexico is still Indigenous, and 60% are mixed-blood Indigenous. The "pure" Spanish population is just 9% and only very recent in history.

Chicanismo:
Forging A Militant Mexican-American Ethos

by Ignacio M. Garcia

Best book on the Chicano Movement. Even better than the book and series put out by PBS (Chicano!). Discusses the true origins of the Movement and the people involved.

Las Soldaderas

by Elena Poniatowska

Discusses the women who fought in the Mexican Revolution (Mexican Civil War). Many were brave leaders, a few even rose high up to lead men. Shows the strength of Mexican women. An often-neglected topic.

 Skywatchers of Ancient Mexico

by Anthony Aveni

The BEST book on the Indigenous astronomers of ancient Mexico: Olmec, Zapotec, Aztec, Maya, etc. Discusses how ancient people in Mexico were charting the skies without the aid of modern telescopes. The also calculated astronomical patterns with mathematics.
Includes many pages of astronomical data and calculations, including the "Aztec Constellations".

The Aztecs  

by Nigel Davies (A MUST READ!)

Is this history book of our Mexica people a perfect book? Of course not. But it is good at describing how a small, poor tribe ascended to become the most powerful people in all of North America. A true rags to riches story. Also gives information on each of the Aztec rulers and what they did.

Aztec Thought And Culture

by Miguel Leon-Portilla

Explains the theological world view of Aztec-Anahuac people. Discusses the concept of Duality, Man as Creator, and the poetic way to communicate with the divine. Also mentions that we did not have "gods", but one god with many manifested forces which we gave names to. 

The Mexica Handbook  
(GREAT MOTIVATIONAL BOOK)

by Olin Tezcatlipoca 
Lots of motivational poems (in the tradition of our Indigenous Anahuac people). Includes: 

Plus, many others. You can order this from the Mexica Movement for only $10.

An Indigenous Guide To The 21^st Century 
(GREAT EDUCATIONAL BOOK)

by Olin Tezcatlipoca 
This is a good book if you want to quickly get a grasp of what we are all about (even if you believe you are Hispanic). Includes 

The Broken Spears

by  Miguel Leon-Portilla

THE BEST book on the Conquest of Mexico as told by Indigenous eyewitnesses. Shows how uncivilized the Spaniards were in war, and explains the concept of Ometeotl as one cosmic principle with many manifestations, not many "gods". Portrays the heroism we all need to know about our people. Even women fought to the death.

Aztec Warfare

by Ross Hassig
This explains how we fought war as a sacred duel, not as killing just for the sake of killing like they did throughout European history. Describes the major campaigns and victories of the Aztec Empire.

Hassig also makes a good argument: for as vicious and fierce as the Aztecs were, there was plenty of cruelty to go around in Europe:

in Rome, common people were killed for amusement in the Gladiator fights,
in London, political opponents were killed and their heads placed on stakes on the London Bridge,
and the Spanish Inquisition killed countless people, all in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Toltec Heritage

by Nigel Davies
Tells why everyone wanted to be a Toltec, or related to one: they were a powerful, unifying force of civilization in Mexico. They shaped not only the Aztecs, but the Maya as well. They influenced almost  everybody, and their named became synonymous with culture and artistic power, just like Xerox became synonymous with copying documents. Their capital city of Tollan (renamed "Tula" by the Spaniards) functioned like Wall Street, The Vatican, and the Supreme Court (COMBINED).

Also explains the myth of Quetzalcoatl, and how he was not assumed to be a White man, but a great Indigenous priest-ruler. Much of the story has been distorted since Spanish colonization with the purpose of justifying Spanish theft.

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Book Got Wrong 

by James Loewen
This book will shock you and make you angry. And it's all so very true. From Columbus to Thanksgiving and The Founding Fathers. Shows how the Founding Fathers ripped off the methods of Democracy from the Iroquois Confederation (with a quotation by Benjamin Franklin admitting it). It's how America exists for White people to exploit and abuse everything and everyone in their way. A national best-seller. Shows how White Americans have enjoyed 400 years of White Affirmative Action. Shows how America has been an openly racist regime until 35 years ago. Written by a White historian.

A People's History of the United States
1492 - Present 

by Howard Zinn
This is how American History should be taught. It is American history told from the point of view of Indigenous people, workers, and women. It is both shocking and interesting. If you want to know the horrifying truth about United States history, read this.

Aztecs: An Interpretation

by Inga Clendinnen  
This is a more advanced book, only should be read after reading the first three MUST READ books above. She gives many interesting insights into our Mexica culture. She discusses the function of ritual, the Masculine self in war, Women, and "Aesthetics" (art forms). Lots of pages.

American Holocaust:
The Conquest of the New World

by David Stannard

100 million Indigenous human beings killed by Europeans.

This is the latest figure put forth by this book from Oxford University Press in England.
Describes very well the crimes of Genocide against Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Shows how all the Western European nations acted like Terrorist cells, each murdering, raping, kidnapping, and looting their way across our lands. You'll never see Columbus Day the same way you were told to see it. Depressing and disgusting, but full of racist quotes by many people, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Frank Blaum (Wizard of Oz author), Cortes, and many more. Guilty as charged, and in their own words!

Fifteen Poets of the Aztec World

Miguel Leon-Portilla
Profound poetry our people created. Includes the great philosopher-king Nezahualcoyotl. Many profound concepts are written about in verse. These are surviving poetic words of our people.

500 Nations

by Alvin M. Josephy
I have to admit, I mainly read the section on "Mesoamerica", but the other parts are excellent. Beautiful pictures everywhere, and amazing virtual reality reconstructions of civilizations. Get the video series #2 if you can, called "Mexico" and hosted by Kevin Costner for CBS. The video has cool virtual reality animations of Anahuac civilizations.


Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee

by Dee Brown
This is the true way the "West Was Won": through genocide, rape, slavery, and legal deception. Photos of murders committed by the proud American patriots.

Occupied America: A History of Chicanos

The Declaration of Independence
and the Constitution of the United States  

introduction by Pauline Maier
Know your rights under American government. This small, inexpensive volume ($2.95) has both documents, as well as the Bill of Rights.
Know your rights.

Gringo Justice
 

by Alfredo Mirande
An important piece of work by a Chicano scholar whichs shows the racial injustices in the criminal justice system. It is-- and has always been-- a double standard that favors Anglos over Chicanos/Mexicans. As well, this book documents a long history of border patrol abuse of persons of Mexican ancestry.

More Good Books

The Maya
  by Michael Coe

The Maya are often portrayed as separate peoples from Mexico. But in reality, they built their civilization upon the Olmec model that supplied the rest of Mexico with civilized greatness. They are as much a part of "Mexico" then as they are today (Chiapas, Palenque, Cancun/Tulum, etc)

Consider also that Chichen Itza (northern Yucatan)is as much a product of the Toltecs (by invasion from central Mexico) as it is of the Maya.

An excellent book on the Maya civilization which Coe's MEXICO book does not cover. The Maya were very complex, and never had the political unity of the Aztecs, but they were responsible for our people's greatest achievements: advanced mathematics, astronomy, monumental architecture, astronomical almanacs, and impressive sculptures. This is an advanced book and better if you read this after reading the MEXICO book by Coe.

To read about the Maya in the modern world, please scroll down to the botton of this page and check out "Guatemala: Eternal Spring, Eternal Tyranny".

Zapata and the Mexican Revolution
  by John Womack
The BEST BOOK on the General of the South. Zapata is a hero that Disney is going to make a movie about: but they refuse to hire a Mexican to play Zapata. They instead chose Spaniard Antonio Banderas who will act in "brownface". Zapata is responsible for many reforms and a exemplifies the warrior spirit. He also created the first agricultural credit union in Mexico.

Codex Borgia
  by Diaz/Rodgers
A good book for artists and those who want to understand the calendar system. Although this is a Spanish colonial document, it was written using "Aztec" people's own information.

Codex Nuttal
  Zelia Nutttal
Also a good "source document" from the colonial era. Good for the artist and those who want to understand codex art.

Stolen Continents
  Ronald Wright
An overall history of the European invasion of the Western Hemisphere. Highlights the Aztecs, Maya, and Cherokee, among others.

500 Years of Chicano History
  by Elizabeth Martinez
A classic already used in many classrooms across Aztlan.An all-picture history of the Chicano Movement.

Diccionario del Español Chicano
Dictionary of Chicano Spanish  

A bilingual dictionary of Chicano Spanish. Did you know that Chicano Spanish uses a lot of Nahutal (Aztec) words?

Autobiography of Malcom X
  by Alex Haley
The story of a man "of color" who woke up to the society that was around him. He dared to question and refused to apologize. He paid for it with his life.
The book is actually a series of interviews, but Malcom X does an excellent and articulte job of analyzing White society's psychological tricks to maintain racial control.

The Zoot Suit Riots:
The Psychology of Symbolic Annihilation  
by Mauricio Mazon

Mazon argues "that earlier interpretations {of the riots}--e.g., law-abiding servicemen were restoring order after being attacked by lawless juvenile delinquents; the riots were essentially racial attacks by whites against Mexican-Americans and blacks--are serious over-simplifications of a complex event. He introduces a number of social-psychological factors related to WW II, arguing that the absence of any direct experience of the enemy was an important factor: it created the need for a visible and immediate enemy, symbolically met by the zoot suiters. Mazon also contends that the symbolic 'stripping'of servicemen during basic training (e.g., haircutting, verbal abuse, being rushed to do nothing) contributed to their participation in the riots, in whichthey symbolically (and sometimes actually) 'stripped' someone else."
Something for Chicanos to think about and understand in future "times of war". Another a good book on White Psychology is "White Reign" listed at the bottom of this page.

Visit the PBS web site on the Zoot Suit Riots:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/zoot/

Mexicanos
  by Manuel Gonzales
History of Mexcanos in the United States.

Anything But Mexican:
Chicanos In Contemporary Los Angeles  
by Rodolfo Acuña

Los Angeles is the Chicano capital of the United States
Yet Chicanos there have not benefitted as much as their Chicano brethren in Texas. Written in 1996, this book is a response to the ultra-conservative White backlash of the 90's that spawned such anti-Mexican legislation as Proposition 187.

White Mayor of Los Angeles Jim Hahn may have declared recently that "Los Angeles is a Mexican city", but real problems still persist for Chicanos and their immigrant brethren.

These problems include: poverty, inferior education, and a hostile White voting bloc that has tried to sabotage Chicano political groups. Whites have used redistricting challenges, the corporatization of the Los Angeles School District, and the corrupt L.A. Police force that views itself as an occupying army, with Mexicans as the enemy.

Anything but Mexican, that's been the White mythical view of Los Angeles history and in many ways, the present.

Tips On Reading Books

• Most books are written by Europeans and Anglos, so beware of their socially-conditioned biases:  “savage”,  “Indians”, “uncivilized”, etc. Not all of them mean to do this, but still do.
• Most authors never get our Sacred Theology right. We had only one god: Ometeotl. They often say we had many gods, when they should be saying we had one god with many manifestations in our universe. Apparently they can understand the Trinity (one God manifest Three ways), but they refuse to accept anything beyond Three Manifestations anywhere else in the world.
• Read books from our people’s perspective, not the European one.

Other Books of Interest

The Coming White Minority:
California, Multiculturalism, and America's Future

by Dale Maharidge

Some time after 2050, the population of the United States will become less than half White. California, however, has already experienced this seismic demographic shift .

As of 1998, whites are a minority in the state of California. Part of the state's response to its increasing multiculturalization is rooted in a conservative backlash that has launched successful voter initiatives against bilingual education, affirmative action programs, and the extension of public services to illegal immigrants. On the other hand, "Latino" (meaning "Mexican" primarily) voting rates have more than doubled, establishing a new, unignorable electoral bloc, and nearly one out of every five children born in California in 1996 came from a multiracial family.

"No white society of the industrialized world has ever evolved into a mixed culture. Between 1900 and 1970 California's White population dropped from 90 percent to 78 percent of the total. Between 1980 and 1990 it plummeted another 10 percent -- and has continued declining by about 1 percent a year since then. Demographers say the population will be some 40 percent White by 2010...".

White Reign

We always hear how racism hurts the victims, but how does racism actually benefit White people?

This collection of essays by several authors shows how the issue of “race” always points to people of color, and lets White people “off the hook” and remain racially invisible in racial discussions. This racial invisibility allows Whites to quietly continue to benefit form the raci$t crimes of their ancestors.

From the capital and profits of plantation Slavery to the thefts of Native lands as well as Jim Crow Segregation-a massively lopsided amount of money, lands, and professional opportunities went to  somebody White for the majority of American history, frequently with the assistance of racial legislation and overwhelming public support.

This “White-is-the-norm” philosophy also allows Whites to continue enjoying a White-designed national structure as being  “just Human” and “just American”. It shows how Whites almost never put the label of “ethnic” on themselves (as they do to other races), and hold themselves up as being the “normal” standard of Humanity and Patriotism.

Visit www.euroamerican.org to learn more.

Guatemala: Eternal Spring, Eternal Tyranny

by Jean-Marie Simon

Lots of very graphic and depressing photos of the shocking conditions the Native Maya people of Guatemala have had to endure, and still do. It documents the genocide of 200,000 Maya people by the American-supported military regime of Guatemala . Also shows the bravery of those who say “No more!”, and choose to fight back. Shows how the United States and the Reagan administration trained, financed, aided and comforted the government thugs who oppressed, murdered, and abducted Indigenous people for more than 36 years. Their program was called "Kaibil" and they used the "School of the Americas" to train terrorist thugs.

For the Original People of Guatemala, the genocide begun 509 years ago by Columbus has not yet ended its death grip on their lives. The Nobel Peace Prize human rights activist Rigoberta Menchu is from Guatemala.

Moorish Spain

by Richard Fletcher

Think the Spaniards were a “pure” White race? WRONG!

This history of Spain shows how nearly 800 years of Muslim occupation of Spain changed everything that Spain was and is today.  This book shows how the Spaniards were already Mestizos (mixed-bloods) when they arrived on the coast of Veracruz in 1519. Many had dark beards and Arab-derived names, while some did not.  It also shows how the Moorish (Arab and African) influence is still felt in Spain, from genetics, language, Muslim mosques, architecture, literature, and the racism that Spanish people have had for “darker people”.

Al-Andalus (as Spain was renamed in Arabic) was the dominant “European” superpower of the Medeival Ages. From its wealthy capital of Cordoba, Muslim generals controlled hundreds of thousands of lives and had an economic pull as far away as Norway and Nigeria. The Moors ran a slave trade of Europeans on a staggering scale. Slaves as far away as Ireland and Ukraine could be found being auctioned off in the markets of Baghdad and Tripoli. Today, the southern region of Spain is still named Andalucia, a vestige of its colonial past and the epic story El Cid recounts that centuries-long battle for independence.

Also, it was the Moors who translated the ancient Greek and Roman masterpieces of literature into Arabic (the national language of colonial Spain); it was not the Spanish. It was actually Muslim scholars of Al-Andalus who pulled Europe out of a period known as  “The Dark Ages”, following the collapse of Greece.

One last thing: it’s a story of a people who after 700 hundred-plus years, won their freedom back from a foreign enemy who colonized them and abused them with superior weapons and technology. Unfortunately, the Spaniards later went on to conquer lands that did not belong to them after their liberation in 1492.

Dark Continent: Europe In The Twentieth Century

By Richard Mazower

We are often taught a feel-good history of Europe as a place of civilization and enlightenment. This book puts that notion to rest. You see, when you scratch the surface of Europe, you find that it was a land that had always denied women the right to vote until after 1924. And more often than not, that it was a land filled not by enlightened institutions of Democracy, but by madmen, despots and fascist regimes. You also find that it was a land of brutal class oppression, ethnic hatreds, and a long line of rogue dictators trying to conquer and kill everything that would not submit.

For example, there was Hitler (Germany), Stalin (Russia), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Ceausescu (Romania), and Milosovic (Yugoslavia). Of course, this doesn't even touch upon the totalitarian monarchs of England.

It was also the site of two blood-drenched World Wars, a massive Nazi Holocaust, and persecution campaigns launched in Russia and Italy. Not to mention of course, all the oppression against “minority” groups like the Irish, Scottish, Basque, Jews, Kurds, Armenians and Gypsies.

While the travel brochures may put a pretty spin on Europe’s history, this book shows how even well into the twentieth century, many parts of Europe were still a bloodbath, rife with violence and oppression. And how a real Democracy had never existed in Europe until after World War II.