MEXICAN LOS ANGELES: A NARRATIVE AND PICTORIAL HISTORY.

Ríos-Bustamante, Antonio. 1992 320 pgs. (pbk) ISBN: 0915745208 Ser.: Nuestra Historia. Illus., photos, maps, biblio., glossary. $35.00 Price for class use $24.00

Ríos-Bustamante presents a well organized collection of historical photos and illustrations coupled with a well researched and coherent view of Mexican society in Alta California. This pathbreaking book re-examines the social, political, structural and spatial organization and development of the Los Angeles region and the city itself, then known as Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles, from pre-1781 to 1850. It is a re-interpretation of the history of the Colonial and Mexican national periods of California, Los Angeles, and Chicanos themselves. The central themes posited here are that the Mexican society in Alta California was dynamic and growing; Los Angeles then played a primary role in the formation of a Californio regional society and of an identity within the Norteño Mexican society and culture. The development of Alta California in both Colonial and Mexican national periods cannot be viewed as an isolated phenomenon but rather must be examined in the context of Mexican society during the colonial and early national periods. The book aims to a wide audience, particularly those interested in California history and Chicano history and in recreating the period with photos and illustrations. In several respects, this work is an important contribution to the history of Mexican California, Los Angeles region and Chicanos.