Mexican Autobiography: An Essay and Annotated Bibliography
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750 HISPANIA 77 DECEMBER 1994
Mexican Autobiography: An Essay and Annotated
Bibliography
Richard D. Woods
Trinity University
Abstract: The introductory essay traces tendencies in Mexican autobiography and outlines a variety of
subgenres, focusing mainly on lifewritings since 1980. The annotated bibliography complements the author's
previous bibliography of the genre up to 1980, since continuums and contrasts of the two large periods, 1492-
1979 and 1980-1993, illuminate the characteristics of this neglected genre. The bibliography of 347 entries
denotes a growing field of endeavor in Mexican writing that is in need of critical attention and recognition.
Key Words: autobiographical novel, autobiography proper, bibliography, diaries, journals, letters, memoirs,
Mexican Americans, Mexico, oral autobiography, testimony, women's writing
Mexican autobiography exists. ItIn spite of the large number of autobiog-
raphies noted, the genre has received little
may seem strange, but the fact
that the substantial body of recognition from Mexican scholars and spo-
lifewritings in that country has simply not radic attention in the U.S. An exception,
received attention makes such a declaration Sylvia Molloy's At Face Value.- Autobio-
necessary. While the Mexican novel, short graphical Writing in Spanish America
story, drama, poetry and essay find an easy (1991), signals the scholarly world to some
forum, this is not true for autobiography. classical examples, but since the book cov-
Without broaching all the possible reasons ers a wide geographical area, the focus on
for the neglect, one might venture to say Mexico is understandably limited to its best
that the disregarding of a form so pervasive known autobiographer, Jose Vasconcelos.
in the Western world may be a distinguish- Another exception is Elzbieta Sklodowska's
ing feature of the Hispanic World. In the 1992 study, Testimonioshispanoamericanos,
major cultures of the Western world, auto- evidently prompted by autobiography in a
biography is easily recoverable, and bibli- more popular form: Si me permiten hablar
ographies on this genre exist for the United (1978), , Ribogerta Menchu (1984) and He
States, England, France, and Germany. agotado mi vida en la miua (1992), all tes-
Electronic searches have enhanced the tify to collaboration between foreign anthro-
capability to uncover examples. The 347pologist and native subject. The academy is
also becoming alert to Mexican autobiogra-
entries which form this bibliography con-
tinue the effort began in my 1988 Mexicanphy as evidenced by Magdalena Maiz's
1992 Ph. D. dissertation from Arizona State
Autobiography.-An A nnotated Bibliography.
The present bibliography includes three University, "(Entre)textos: Perfil de la
types of autobiographies: (1) those pub- autobiografia moderna mexicana."
lished since 1988 and unavailable for my More has been done on U.S. Hispanics,
initial efforts; (2) those published in anygiven the impetus from Richard Rodriguez's
period but overlooked because of lack of Hunger ofMemory (1982). My Hzitory, Not
access to major collections; (3) and finally,
Yours.- The Formation of Mexican American
those published since 1980 and noted in theAutobiography (1993) by Genaro M. Padilla
previous bibliography of 1988. Fifteen en- mentions several examples that tie the U.S.
to Mexico, at least in lifewriting. Earlier,
tries are repeated here to give coherence to
this genre in the post 1980 years. Julian Olivares's thematic issue "U.S. His-
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panic Autobiography" in Americas andReview
multiple collections of letters are virtu-
ally ignored.
(1988) collected seven articles on lifewriting
in the U.S. Foreign scholars whether of history or of
literature,
Not withstanding the above ventures, thehave a better record of noting
contention that Mexican autobiography
Mexican lifewriting than do natives. Eladio
Cortes's
suffers neglect is easily documented in(Dictionary
an ofMexican Literature
examination of reference books,(Westport,
antholo- CT: Greenwood Press, 1992)
gies, and journals. Both foreign and native
mentions autobiography more than any
other reference book of its kind on Mexico.
reference books, bibliographies, dictionar-
ies/encyclopedias, and literary histories,
Furthermore, a perusal of two of the best
accord some recognition to the various
known Latin American reference books in
theinU.S.
genres. Bibliographies, beginning indicates a growing interest in
1926
and ending in 1992 register few Mexican and Latin American from 1988 to
examples
of lifestories. One curiosity is the lack
1993. ofthe HispanuicAmerican Periodi-
Both
cals Index
agreement on what constitutes a proper la- and The Handbook of Latin
American Studies register a few articles and
bel for autobiography: relatos, autobiograffa,
book reviews
crdnicas, viajes, narraciones, cartas, and on the topic. Prior to 1988 no
such interest is manifest in these two in-
memorias all may categorize lifewritings.
Suggesting the fluidity of labels indexes of Latin American studies.
Mexican
autobiography, these seven terms A become
third type of reference book, the liter-
ary of
more confusing in classifying novels history,
the may either mention autobiog-
Revolution. Historical bibliographies, in
raphy or imply non-existence or unimpor-
contrast to those of literature, tance validate
by omission. Books of this sort are
lifewriting as valuable for historians sub-
also problematic in labeling the novel of the
Mexican Revolution. In examining thirteen
stantiating a period through autobiographi-
cal writings. Three bibliographiesbooks by Mexi-
of this type for the mention or omis-
can historians record the presence ofofauto-
sion lifewriting, it appears that Mexican
biography in surveys for which there literary scholars approaching the novel of
is no
corresponding effort among literary the schol-
Revolution, while vacillating between
ars: Roberto Ramos's three-volume Biblio- fiction and non-fiction, recognize novels,
graffa de la Revolucidn Miexicana (Mexico: poetry, short stories, and drama, clearly, but
Instituto Nacional de Estudios Historicos de not autobiography.
la Revoluci6n Mexicana, 1959-1960), Luis A less literate populace is exposed to a
Gonzalez, Fuentes de la historia contem- type of publication often used in high school
pordnea de Mdxico (3 vols. Mexico: El and college-the anthology. By their inclu-
Colegio de Mexico, 1961), and Veinticinco sions (and exclusions) anthologists alert a
a-os de investigacidn h istdrica en Mdxico new reading public to the canonical works
(M1xico: El Colegio de Mexico, 1966). within national literature. An examination of
Three major reference books published sixteen anthologies in pursuit of autobiog-
in Mexico on Mexican writing give little at- raphy revealed the following data: five to-
tention to autobiography: Diccionario de tally excluded the genre; four comment on
escritores mexicanos (Mexico: UNAM, the presence of autobiography but do not
1967), Diccionario Porrzia. Historia, bio- supplement their comments with selec-
grafia y geografia de MNdxico (Me xico: Edi-tions; the third category both mentions au-
torial Porrfia, 1986) and Enciclopedia de tobiography and includes selections and
Mcdxico (Mexico: Secretaria de Educaci6n has seven anthologists who show little una-
Piiblica, 1987-1988). Lifewriting may be nimity of choice. Fr. Mier, Cortes, Diaz del
mentioned, but is rarely emphasized as sig- Castillo, Sor Juana In~s de la Cruz, Jose
nificant in the corpus of authors' work. For Guridi y Alcocer and Justo Sierra compete
example, in these reference works Alfonsofor autobiographical space. Only Antonio
Reyes's three identifiable autobiographiesCastro Leal in his La novela dela Revolucidu
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golden age of Mexican autobiography. For
mexicana (Mexico: Aguilar, 1963) considered
within
Martin Luis Guzman, Nellie Campobello, a space of eleven years, 1928 to 1938,
Jose
Ruben Romero, Francisco Urquizo and Jose
twelve masterpieces reached the public in-
Vasconcelos as having written novels of an
cluding Martin Luis Guzmin's El dgzila y
autobiographical character. The focused
la serpiente and Las memorias de Pancho
genre here is again slighted for the more
Villa, four works by Jose Vasconcelos, with
traditional forms of the novel, shortJises
story,
cHollo as the outstanding, three byJose
poem, or essay. Ruben Romero, two by Nellie Campobello
Journals can be another medium for au- and Salvador Novo's Continente vaclo. Thus
tobiography. A perusal of 35 journals Mexicans
pub- before and after the 1930s have
lished between 1929-1983 rendered a total never duplicated the lifewritings of this one
of 95 reviews of autobiography. Perhaps theprodigious decade.
treatment of this genre is endemic to Mexi- For an inexplicable reason, Mexicans do
can reviewing. Reviewers routinely give not a cultivate or at least do not publish dia-
summary of contents without evaluation, ries. Several autobiographies carry the la-
description without analysis, little attempt bel "diary," but the word carelessly used
to grasp the purpose of the autobiographer,indicates more a journal or a memoir. The
and no recognition of autobiography as intimate
a communication with the self finds
genre. little favor. Regardless of form, no one pro-
Reference books, anthologies, literary fession dominates the writing of autobiog-
raphies even though politicians/diplomats
journals, and reviews mediate between writ-
ers and their public. Although they recog-represent themselves numerically more
than other groups. This is pervasive even
nize other genres, their attention to autobi-
through the 1990s. One further constant
ography is at best tentative or dilatory. Per-
haps this is the greatest problem of Mexi-requires little analysis. The best autobiog-
can autobiography-even with over 679
raphies come from the professional writers
examples, the field has never achieved who
the combine life with prose style, a task
difficult for the uninitiated or the amateur
status of a genre. Consequently, the trajec-
tory for autobiography evidences mislabel- writer. Yet of more interest and perhaps
ing, cursory treatment and superficial crit- import is the evolvement of Mexican auto-
ics. biography since 1980.
Yet Mexicans write autobiographies. A significant change in the last 15 years
The corpus of lifewriting before and after is the large number of lifewritings by
1980 manifests continuums and changes. women. In fact, as many women have writ-
Memoir is still the favorite form of the Mexi- ten autobiographies between 1980 and 1994
cans with disregard of autobiography as they wrote in the entire period before
proper. The 19th century is a lacuna for then, 1492-1979. Doubtlessly this produc-
lifewriting and invites scholarly research to tivity corresponds to an emphasis on femi-
find the autobiographies that must surely nist writings. And yet in looking at the com-
exist. An overview of lifewriting by decades plete span of time for Mexico, it can be
generates encouraging results. Each ten- safely said that women's autobiography
year period is incremental in the number of belongs to the 20th century. Sor Juana's
examples of lifewriting. For example, 1910 admonition that women should be silent
to 1919 exhibits ten examples; a later de- obviously applied to autobiography as well
cade, 1980-1989 suggests 147. Be it in- as to church doctrine.
creased literacy or the (re) discovery of this More women write, yet few Mexican
universal form, lifewriting is proliferating. women have achieved fame in the arts out-
Not all is positive, for even with the large side of literature. Only three can be noted
numbers of writings since the 1980s, Mexi- under the time period under focus: Inds
can autobiography has never equalled the Amor, an art collector; Rosaura Revueltas,
record of the 1930s which may be called the an actress who writes about her illustrious
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All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/termsMEXICAN AUTOBIOGRAPHY: AN ESSAY AND ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 753
family; and Lydia Mendoza, singer
do any
of of
the
the Mexican women who write
autobiographies.
1930s and 1940s. By contrast, over eight
males in the arts have expressedThe
them-
most popular form of memoir is the
selves in autobiography since 1980.political memoir. Since women have not
figured
What is true of other genres is also true in Mexican politics, they do not
for autobiography. Men write more than
have the necessity of defending their re-
gimes with
women or at least publish more. Even or administrations. Another field
where women's writing should be more
the increase in women's autobiographies,
men still compose almost six timesprevalent
as many is the letter. Women, when unable
autobiographies. to publish, surely could use the epistolary
Oral autobiography, deservingform as a venue for content and emotions.
a sepa-
rate space, is more characteristic of
In women
the 24 collections of letters listed, only three
than of men. The interesting aspect belong to women (Aveleyra-Sadowska,
of this
Brimmer or
genre is the master-subject relationship and Rivas Mercado). The other
cases inevitably mean an exchange be-
the articulate anthropologist or journalist
tween significant individuals such as
finding a likely subject and then promoting
Alfonso Reyes and Victoria Ocampo and
dialog. The result is an oral autobiography
or a testimony. Suffice to say thatGabriela
women, Mistral, Argentine and Chilean
perhaps because of their condition,respectively.
still par-
ticipate in this more as subjects thanThe
dorevitalized
men past appears at least for
at least in Mexico. Another interesting
women in as-
the 1980s. Two works signal the
pect is the number of women who become
discovery of the past which potentially can
the provocateurs in this symbioticyield
relation-
more lifewritings by women. Kathleen
ship. Ruth Behar's Translated Ann
Women
Meyers's Becoming a Nun in Seven-
(1993) epitomizes the testimony. The
teenth Century Mexico (1986) and Las
trained foreigner or whatever outsider
memoriasen-
of Concepcidn Lombardo de
ters and finds an Indian subject. Miramdo'n
However, (1980) suggest the potential of
Behar has learned from others forsearching
she pro- for the unpublished manuscript.
duces a convincing document, and more
Though women as yet have established no
importantly, she is cognizant of tradition
the prob- of writing autobiographies, the
lems of the genre. oral testimony has its pedigree.
Women's subjugation is reflected
In thein
16th century Fr. Bernardo de
some of the entries. For the 1980s indicates Sahag6in (1500?-1590) initiated the anthro-
a special type of autobiography peculiar to pological document by interviewing Indians
women-the inadvertent autobiography or to inventory and record their culture. Al-
life writing that is called into existence be- though the process skipped three centu-
cause of a husband, lover or father. A ries, it emerged again in the twentieth.
woman has importance only in her rela- Mexico to date has over forty examples of
tionship to males. Note the memoirs oforal testimony, paradoxically the writing of
Margarita Valladares de Orozco (wife ofa life by someone other than the subject.
Clemente Orozco), Angelica Arenal, theForeigners and natives armed with tape re-
widow of Siqueiros, and Elda Peralta, widow corders extract the life of a pliable subject,
of the writer Luis Spota. The irony here isedit it according to standards for an estab-
that each one has value as lifewriter with- lished audience, and publish and market it
out the presence of the better-knownabroad. Probably the subject has little input.
spouse. Conversely no male lifewritings The tradition is still flourishing in Mexico,
owe their existence to the presence of a with 23 recorded since 1980. Women are
woman. Two Chicanas, Gloria Anzaldtia andfavorite participants in this collaboration
Cherrie Moraga, whose writings evidenceeither as subjects or authors. Subjects, they
the unity between the U.S. and Mexico, at-represent opposite classes-celebrity or
tack more the Latin patriarchal system thanpeasant. Four focus on women famous
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through family or careers-Inds pages,
Amor, certain criteria emerge for selection
Emma Godoy, Amparo Montes andofEmilia subjects and writing: Born between 1927
Cardenas. On the contrary, seven and
peasant
1957, and tenuously established, these
women, often in the 1960 style ofauthors
Oscarhave achieved more national than
international
Lewis, surrender their lives frequently to fame. The youngest is
outsiders. Alejandro Sandoval Avila; the oldest,
There has been since the 1980s a dete-Rafael Gaona. In contradiction, Emmanuel
rioration in quality compared to previousCarballo and Vicente Lefiero find a place in
decades, which rendered several classics traditional
in reference books. Almost without
this hybrid genre such as Martin Luis
exception all, noted for novels or short sto-
Guzmin's Memorias dePancho Villa (1938),ries, credit themselves in prose rather than
followed in 1952 by Ricardo Pozo's Juan in poetry. Seven women receive attention,
Pirezjolote (1952), and Elena Poniatowska's
indicating the influence of the feminist
Hasta no vertejestis mio (1969). Only the
movement. No formula betrays a procrus-
publication of Calixta Guiteras Holmes'stean cast to the autobiographies but almost
all mention regionalist roots, family person-
Perils ofthe Soul (1961) had called into ques-
tion the techniques employed to elicit con- alities and above all formal education, read-
fessions from (un)willing participants. Her
ing habits and attempts at writing. The com-
missioned autobiography aids women; yet
work, a hallmark in the required methodol-
ogy, is largely ignored today, yet subse-
maybe a greater potential will be the past
when it surrenders troves of letters.
quent years indicate no recognition of her
efforts. The many examples of oral autobi- Collections of letters overwhelm in the
English-speaking world. Not so in the His-
ography are notorious in their lack of atten-
panic if Mexico sets an example. A loose
tion both to technique and to sharing with
the reader the interferences that call the
count at this moment, because no bibliog-
book into existence. The words "inter- raphy is ever complete, suggests that
views," "conversations," "tape recorder,"
Mexico has under fifty such collections.
and "writing/conversation" populate
Nineteen of these prior to 1980 and the re-
skimpy introductions. However, onlymaining
in 25 after. Almost half of the recent
1993 with the publication of Ruth Behar's
ones incorporate the correspondence of the
Translated Woman.: Crossing the Border prolific
with Alfonso Reyes. His writing energies
Esperanza' Story is there an effort even never
to flagged and since his death in 1959,
emulate Guiterras Holmes's exhaustive at- scholars like James Willis Robb, emeritus
tempts to alert readers that they may beof The George Washington University, con-
reading a spurious document. Though for- tinue to find his epistolary exchanges. The
eigners may come in and produce symbioticmost complete collection, Epistolario
life-writings that might better be reservedintimno, 1906-1946/Pedro Henriquez Urefia
for natives, one Mexican effort, the autobi-y Alfonso Reyes (1981) will probably never
ography commissioned by an editorialbe equaled in volume, in years covered or
house, has been fruitful in the propagation in expression of self. A noting of Reyes's
of autobiography. major correspondents suggests the scope
Distantly related to oral autobiography isof this Mexican and international con-
a type of commissioned lifewriting evi-tacts: Jorge Mafiach, Eugenio Florit, Juan
denced in Mexico since 1980. Ediciones Marinello, Martin Luis Guzmin, Gabriela
Corunda has sponsored 27 autobiographies Mistral, Julio Torri, Manuel Toussaint,
Victoria Ocampo, and Antonio Castro Leal.
all with the signaling title, De cuerpo entero.
The idea, pioneered by Empresas Editorial Earlier collections included Jose Maria
which generated six autobiographies of Cuban intellectual, Valery Larbaud,
Chac6n,
French novelist, and Jose Vasconcelos,
male writers in the 1960s, evidences much
more success today. From examination of
thinker/politician.
Only two Mexican women to date have
these brief documents, each averaging sixty
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published collections of letters-Gaby
autobiographies. Some of this type of auto-
Brimmer and Antonieta Rivas Mercado. biography naturally existed before 1980 and
Hopefully regard for women and the perhaps
epis- is epitomized in Ernesto Galarza's
Barrio
tolary form will lead to the discovery and Boy (1971), but the flourishing of
publication of as more collections inChicano
the autobiography within the decade
same way as the critic Guillermo Sheridan
of the 1980s predicts that more of these link-
found, edited and published the correspon-
ing types of lifewriting will be forthcoming.
dence of Ram6n L6pez Velarde in 1991. Thethe fluidity of the border and the fa-
Given
genre may further increase as Mexican cility
poli- of movement, more of these connec-
ticians continue to defend themselves tions relating to the large corpus of Ameri-
through memoirs or published letters, can as
autobiography and simultaneously with
Gustavo Madero and Narcisso Bassols have Mexican, will be noticeable.
done. The entries of the bibliography are con-
The only change between letters before cise to maximize information in a limited
and after 1980 is the increase in their publi- space. Each entry gives the earliest version
cation, which augurs well for these docu- for proper chronology. Author dates pro-
ments so often indispensable for literary or mote location by time context. The various
personality analysis. To risk a generaliza- forms of autobiography are labeled by
tion, probably the best collections belong to subgenres: memoirs, autobiography
the writers of literature, such as Reyes, proper, journal, diary, letters, interview,
Villaurrutia, or Jose Revueltas. Yet the most and testimony or a hybrid form. The follow-
interesting and versatile single collection to ing succinct definitions of each of these
date for the scope and variety of correspon- terms will guide the reader to their use in
dents is Marte R. G6mez's Vida politica the bibliography.
contempordnea (1978), whose index reads 1. Autobiography proper refers to an
like a "who's who" in national culture in the effort by the authors to recapture an entire
twentieth century. life from childhood to the advanced age
One type of autobiography, more com-they may have reached. Its major character-
mon since the 1980s, links Mexico with the istic, recovery and inspection of early years
United States-lifewritings of Mexican and adolescence, makes autobiographers
Americans. They have achieved profileopt more frequently for the easier memoir.
within the genre of lifewriting; however, 2. This most popular form, the memoir,
only a few of these autobiographies can beallows the author to ignore formative years
dually labelled both Mexican and Americanand leap instantly into successful career.
with easily identifiable criteria as in dealing Thus the autobiographer focuses on a few
with a Mexican American who starts his life years rather than a lifetime. Unsurpassed in
in Mexico but continues it in the U.S. (i.e.,frequency, the memoir offers two advan-
Ricardo Montalbain and Federico tages-privacy and publicity. Only the ex-
Rondstadt); a Californiano or Hispanics ternal or like
public life appears thus showcas-
two New Mexicans, Rafael Chac6n and ing what is positive and hiding or obscur-
Alfonso Griego, whose lives span the 1848 ing what is private or even negative.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, enabling 3. The oral autobiography, perhaps
them to live politically under two nationali- exemplary as lingering colonialism, contin-
ties as the case of two New Mexicans, Rafael ues to find public in Mexico. The oral auto-
Chac6n and Alfonso Griego; or a Mexican biography allows the illiterate subjects to
American who straddles the border or lives unroll their lives to a custodian/anthropolo-
simultaneously in both cultures. Gloriagist or journalist who wants to capture the
Anzald[ia, even in the title of her book Bor- life of an interesting subject, albeit ones in-
derlands/l/afrontera, suggests the continu- capable of rendering their own.
ities of culture beyond the physical bound- 4. The autobiographical novel. With
aries, as does Cherrie Moraga in two hybrid the recent acceptance of the theory that
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erary
autobiographers create selves the way nov-world where he either teaches or has
elists create characters has credited the some other official capacity in following re-
novel, with roman a clefevents, as legiti-gions: U.S., Central America, Caribbean,
Southern Cone and Andean countries. Travel
mate autobiography.
and autobiography successfully combine
5.Journals, diaries and collections of
through self revelations in friendships. Term
letter are easier to recognize and define.
"memoirs' is well applied here.
The journal for its lack of intimacy varies
from the diary, a type of letter to the self
3. Acevedo Escobedo, Antonio. (1909-1985) Los
rarely favored by Mexicans. dias de Aguascalientes. Mexico: Editorial
6. Hybrid texts. Finally, a recalcitrantStylo, 1952. 89 p.
Genre: Memoirs
text may refuse any of the above labels and,
drawing upon many genres, constitute a hy- Period covered: 1922-1951
brid work such as Luis Suirez's Cdrdenas.- Scattered memories of idealized childhood in
Mexican province. Chapters switch locus
Retrato inddito, which mingles letters, from environment to narrator. Former is al-
speeches, testimonies and summaries of
events.
most Azorine in mood; latter, an adolescent
eager to learn from books, sensitively records
The period covered refers to the years
rural atmosphere.
the authors incorporate in their texts, so
that a reader may pursue certain decades 4.
ofAgueda Sanchez, Jorge. (1922-) Generacidn
interest through autobiography. Finally, 40 a fi e. Cuarental. Mexico: Impresores
prescriptive annotation designates the au- Michoacana, 1972-1975. 257 p.
Genre: Memoirs
thor by profession and birthplace, in addi-
tion to summarizing the content and value. Period covered: 1940-1945
To conserve space, telegraphic EnglishAuthor confides that document is neither au-
communicates the autobiography's con- tobiography, history of a generation, nor a
tents. It goes without saying that whethernovel but "a mosaic formed by memory..."
(p.7). From Michoacin, he recalls experi-
prescriptive or descriptive, the directional
ences of generation in university located in
annotation does not substitute for a reading
downtown Mexico City. Noting courses and
of the work.
professors, young author feels impingement
of WWII.
1. Abascal, Salvador. (1905?-) Mis recuerdos,
sinarquismo y Colonia. Maria Auxiliadora
5. Aguilar, Enrique. (1900-Birth year of
(1935-1944): con importantes documentos deNandino) Una vida no/velada. Mexico:
los Archivos de Washington. Mexico: Tradi-Grijalbo, 1986. 172 p.
ci6n, 1980. 791 p. Genre: Oral Autobiography
Genre: Memoirs Period covered: 1900-1986
Period covered: 1905-1972 Although Aguilar interviews subject and uses
Abascal worked way through ranks to be- his letters and personal archives, the docu-
come head of UNS (Uni6n Nacional del ment, for its scope and interpretation, fits des-
Sinarquismo). Conservative, he interprets ignation "autobiography." From Cocula,
Revolution as having malignant influence on Jalisco, Nandino attended preparatory in
Catholic church. About 1940, he and follow- Guadalajara and finished medical school in
ers set up Maria Auxiliadora, a Sinarquista Mexico City. Surgeon/poet, he knew los
colony in Baja California. Lengthy memoirs Contempordneos, two profiled here-Xavier
uncover his participation in movement in vari- Villaurrutia and Salvador Novo. Nandino com-
ous parts of Mexico. bines medicine and poetry as well as medical
practice among prisoners. Honest and explicit
2. Abreu G6mez, Ermilo. (1894-1971) Andanzas about homosexuality.
y extravios." memorias. M6xico: Ediciones Bo-
tas, 1965. 169 p.
6. Aguirre, Eugenio. (1944-) De cuerpo entero."
Genre: Memoirs EugenioAguirre. Mexico: Ediciones Corunda,
Period covered: 1947? 1991. 63 p.
In third volume of memoirs, author recalls lit- Genre: Autobiographical Essay
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Period covered: 1950-1991 Period covered: 1949
Novelist Aguirre focuses on youth in anec- Artist journeys to Bonampak in Chiapas and
dotes about grandparents, early love affairs, records impressions in words and drawings.
trips to U.S. and Spain. He talks about writ- Anguiano in diary always involves self with
ing: his admiration for grandfather, journal- companions, climate and flora. Intimacy con-
ist Fernando Ramirez de Aguilar (Jacobo trasts with objectivity and distancing char-
Dalevuelta), experiences as reporter, devel- acteristic of travel genre. In diary form, ar-
opment of several novels, race with calendar duous three-week sojourn manifests charac-
to write a book on Valentin G6mez Farias, teristics of memoir.
advice to authors and technique of creating
realistic dialogue. 11. Anzaldiia, Gloria. (1942-) Borderlands
=Frontera.- The New Mestiza. San Francisco:
7. Agustin, Jos. (1 944- ) El rock de la cdrcel Spinsters/Aunt Lute, 1987. 98 p.
Mexico: Editores Mexicanos Unidos, 1986. Genre: Essay/poetry
132 p. Period covered: 1930?-1986?
Genre: Memoirs Born in Valley of South Texas to migrant
Period covered: 1964-1971 labor family, Anzalduia exposes some auto-
Elrock chronologically complements earlier biographical facts, but stresses condition of
"?Quidn soy?" However, action centralizes Hispanic women. From the border, she
on two major women in Agustin's life, claims Indian heritage and advocates
Margarita and Angd1ica, writing and work "Chicano-feminist-lesbian politics." Chicano
with films. El Rock, translating frenetic six- ties with Mexico blatant in title: borderlands,
ties and use of drugs, refers to Agustin's frontera and mestiza. Most hybrid of Mexi-
imprisonment for alleged drug abuse. can American autobiographies, Borderlands
aggressively speaks to women in both coun-
8. Alemain Valdes, Miguel. (1905-1983) tries.
Remembranzas y testimonios. Mexico:
Grijalbo, 1987. 437 p. 12. Aramburo Salas, Francisco. ( ? ) La Europa
Genre: Memoirs que yo vi." cartas de un via/ero
Period covered: 1905-1961 sudcaliforniano. Mexico: 1962. 278 p.
Miguel Alemain, president from 1946 to Genre: Memoirs
1952, covers political life with few references Period covered: 1960
to self: childhood, school, marriage and Young author from Baja California takes
death of father. Remainder of book, follow- tour to Europe: England, France, Spain,
ing Alemain through political career, exposes Italy, Austria and Germany. He confesses
little of functioning of presidency. motive for memoirs: promise of impressions
to so many friends made publication neces-
9. Amor, Inds. (1912-1980) Una mujeren elarte sary. Interaction with other tour members
mexicano.: memorias de Ines Amor Jorge Al- and reactions to sites locates impressions
berto Manrique, Teresa Del Conde. Mexico: within autobiography.
Universidad Nacional Aut6noma de Mexico,
1987. 271 p. 13. Arenal, Angelica. (1910?-) Pdginas sueltas
Genre: Oral Autobiography con Siqueiros. Mexico: Editorial Grijalbo,
Period covered: 1936?-1976? 1980. 279 p.
Gallery owner and patroness of Mexican art Genre: Memoirs
both at home and abroad, Amor speaks Period covered: 1896-1979
freely to interviewers. Prominent artists First forty pages biographize Siqueiros. Re-
appear in biographies filtered through maining, in adulation, intertwine life of
Amor. Interviewers discuss purpose, tech- Arenal as it relates to Siqueiros. From
niques and interferences. Tabasco, Siqueiros's widow mentions travel,
family, paintings, communism and struggles
10. Anguiano, Raul. (1913-) Expedicidn a against Trotsky. Arenal uses "ti" which per-
Bonampak; diario de un viak'e. Mexico: Uni- sonalizes events as "ti" fuses with "yo" and
versidad Nacional Aut6noma de Mexico, "nosotros."
1955. 73 p.
Genre: Memoirs
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Genre: Memoirs
14. Arreguin Vdlez, Enrique. (1907-) Pdginas
Period
autobiogrdficas. Morelia, Mich.: Nicolas de covered: 1962-1989
Hidalgo, 1982. 178 p. Professor of math and history of science,
Genre: Memoirs essayist and novelist, Arturo Azuela in trav-
Period covered: 1907-1970 els covers space, literary themes and search
Medical doctor from Michoacin, Arreguin for self. He envelopes ideas and personali-
V61ez spent career in education: student at ties relating to him, e.g., Juan Rulfo, Julio
University of Michoacan and graduate of de- Cortaizar, Ernesto Sabato, Vargas Llosa,
partment of medicine; professor here and at Pablo Neruda and Salvador Allende. Like
UNAM and Instituto Politecnico Nacional; Salvador Novo (q.v. 234), Azuela divulges
Secretary of Education and other significant personality in intellectual form of travel writ-
positions. Speeches and ideas overwhelm ing. "En la Sociedad de Escritores" excels as
memoir. autobiographical piece.
15. Aveleyra-Sadowska, Teresa. (1920-) Cartas
19. Baddi, Antonio. (1914-) Sortilegio de vivir. la
de Polonia. Mexico: Miguel Angel Porruia, vida de Antonio Badd en conversaciones con
1982. 217 p. Jorge Mejia Prieto. Mexico: Editorial Diana,
Genre: Letters 1993. 159 p.
Period covered: 1975-1976 Genre: Interviews
Professional writer, Aveleyra-Sadowska Period covered: 1914-1993?
married during year's visit to Poland to Interview with actor works as memoir for its
teach Mexican literature. In mailed and concentration on adult years. Born in Real
unmailed letters, she expresses emotionsdel Monte, Hidalgo to Lebanese parents,
about love, marriage and premature widow-Badu started career in radio, silent film and
hood, and profiles of Polish culture, mood,
television. Singer, actor and film producer,
and personality. decants popular culture: films, songs,
events, personalities, opinions and photos.
16. Aviles Fabila, Rene. (1940-) Memorias de un
20. Balbas, Manuel. ( ? ) Recuerdos delyaquzi
comunsta." maquinuscrito encontrado en un
basurero de Pertsur. Mexico, D.E: Gernika, Princtzales episodios durante la campafa de
1991. 167 p. 1899 a 1901. Mexico, D.F., Sociedad de
Genre: Memoir Edici6n y Libreria Franco-Americano, 1927.
Period covered: 1958?-1988? 117 p.
Professor, novelist, essayist and short story Genre: Memoirs
writer, Aviles Fabila humorously recounts Period covered: 1899-1901
years as Communist. Anecdotes betray Balbas, sent to subdue Yaquis of Sonora
party's contradictions. during Porfiriato, performs dual role of ob-
server and participant in battling. Autobio-
graphical in use of first and third persons,
Balbas sympathizes with Yaquis, but is ever
17. Azar, Hector. (1930-) De cuerpo entero."
HictorAzar. Mexico: Ediciones Corunda, partisan of dictator.
1991. 49 p.
Genre: Memoirs 21. Barragain, Jose Miguel. (1835-1864) Peque-
Period covered: 1935-1967 fo diario portdtil, 1864.: (memorias de un
Poet and dramatist, Azar centers on early guerrzllero durante la intervencidnfrancesa).
years in Atilixco, Puebla where Lebanese San Luis Potosi: Academia de la Historia
mother had clothing store that she later Potosina, 1972. 29 p.
moved to Mexico City. Noting education, Genre: Diary
including Carlos Pellicer as a teacher, at- Period covered: 1864
tempts at theater and poetry, Azar commu- Barragin, fighting on side ofJuirez in War
nicates with prose as interesting as autobi- of French Intervention in San Luis Potosi
ography. and Tamaulipas, records impressions until
death by firing squad, August 2, 1864. Reg-
18. Azuela, Arturo. (1938-) La marde utopias. istering maneuvers more than emotions,
Madrid: Ediciones de Cultura Hispinica, diary is missing entries for 1862 and 1863.
1991. 197 p.
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22. Barrios, Elias. ( ? ) El escuadrdz de hierro.
of capturing and translating life of another
Mexico: Ediciones de Cultura Popular, 1978.
into alien culture. "One problem with the
182 p. genre [life history] has always been its use
Genre: Memoirs of the Western form of the autobiography to
Period covered: 1920-1930 encase the self-narrative of a persona
Barrios, self-confessed humble man of work- marginalized by the West, a person usually
ing class, views labor movement in railways lacking access to the means of production
in 1920s. and often the ideological constructs neces-
sary to turn talk into an autobiography in the
23. Bassi, Sofia. (1939-) Bassi...prohibido pro- first place, let alone into pages in a book" (p.
272).
nunciarsu nombre." andcdotas de Sofia Bassi.
Mexico: Tall. de la Imper. Venecia, 1978.
329 p. 26. Bello Hidalgo, Luis. (1896-?) Antropologia
Genre: Memoirs de la Revolucidn de Por'frio Diaz a Gustavo
Period covered: 1968-1977 Diaz Ordaz. Mexico: Tallares de B. Costa
Self-taught painter, scenery painter, and il- Amic, 1966. 410 p.
lustrator of books, Bassi, accused of homi- Genre: Memoirs
cide in 1968, spent four years in Acapulco Period covered: 1896-1965
jail. Relations with family and successful Author experiences Revolution under
career as artist peripheral to incarceration. eleven presidents: Diaz, Madero, Huerta,
Carranza, Calles, Cardenas, Avila Camacho,
24. Bassols, Narcisso. (1897-1959) Cartas. Alemain, Ruiz Cortines, L6pez Mateos and
Mexico: Universidad Nacional Aut6noma de Diaz Ordaz. Bello Hidalgo is partial to con-
Mexico: Instituto Politecnico Nacional, temporary Manuel Avila Camacho, also
1986. 439 p. born in Teziutlin, Puebla.
Genre: Letters
Period covered: 1933-1959 27. Benitez, Fernando. (1911-) China a la vis-
Law professor and government official, ta. Mexico:Ediciones Cuadernos america-
Bassols held many offices: secretary of Pub- nos, 1953. 217 p.
lic Education, Government, and Treasury; Genre: Memoirs
ambassador to Great Britain, France, Rus- Period covered: 1952
sian; and adviser to Adolfo Ruiz Cortines. Journalist pens travel book sufficiently per-
Topically organized by Bassols, letters fall sonal to merit label "autobiography." For
into 9 categories: personal, national politics, four months he visits China stopping in
economic and social problems, nationaliza- route in Cuba, Amsterdam, Zurich, Prague
tion of petroleum, democratic rights, educa- and Moscow.
tional and cultural affairs, world politics,
28. Bernal, Nicolas T. (1892-? ) Memorias.
Spain (Civil War and refugees) and against
Facisim. Detailed table of contents indicates Mexico: Centro de Estudios Hist6ricos del
scope of contacts of brilliant lawyer. Movimiento Obrero Mexicano, 1982. 158 p.
Genre: Memoirs
25. Behar, Ruth. (1930?-Birth year of Period covered: 1892-1973
Esperanza) Translated Woman:. Crossingthe In readable document, Bernal notes politi-
Border with Esperanza 's Story. Boston: Bea- cal activities on both sides of border where
con Press, 1993. 372 p. he knew anarchists attacking dictatorship:
Genre: Oral Autobiography Flores Mag6n brothers and families,
Period covered: 1930?-1989 Alexander Berkman, Emma Goldman, Ethel
Esperanza Hernandez, pseudonym of Duffy Turner, Ram6n Delgado, Librado
Mexquitic protagonist, a "de-Indianized" Rivera, etc.
woman of lower class origins, narrates about
three generations of females in family. 29. Bernal Jimdnez, Miguel. (1910-1956) Pdgi-
Daughter, mother and street vendor, uas de un diario intimo. Morelia,
Esperanza dialogues with Behar to create Michoacin, Mexico: Fimax Publicistas,
novelistic life of survival and oppression. Of 1982. 96 p.
equal value, Behar's insights x-ray process Genre: Diary
Period covered: 1928
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Prolific author and composer from 33. Brambila, David. ( ? ) De la tierra herida.
Michoacin, Bernal Jimenez journeyed to Mexico: Buena Prensa, 1964. 40 p.
Rome on sponsored trip in order to perfect Genre: Memoirs
self as organist. Staying there from 1928 to Period covered: 1930s
1933 to become expert in Gregorian music, Although too short to qualify as a mono-
he images devoutly Catholic youth com- graph, De la tierra herida with poetic conci-
menting on music lessons, performances sion and b/w photographs serves as com-
and churches. panion piece to Hojazs de un diario, a Jesuit's
experience among Tarahumara.
30. Blanco Moheno, Roberto. (1920-) La noti-
cia detrds de la noticia. Mexico: Editorial V 34. Bravo, Roberto. (1947-) De cuerpo entero.-
Siglos, 1975. 320 p. Roberto Bravo. Mexico: Ediciones Corunda,
Genre: Memoirs 1991. 49 p.
Period covered: 1956?-1964? Genre: Autobiographical Essay
Sequel to Memorias de un reportero mingles Period covered: 1965?
autobiography and interpretive essays of Veracruzano and author of several books,
history. Blanco Moheno, in usual polemical Bravo vivifies years as student at University
form, battles politicians and journalists in of Xalapa. In second half of concise autobi-
themes relating to communism, agrarian re- ography, he recreates drug-induced hell.
form, and Central America.
35. Bravo Izquierdo, Donato. (?) Lealtadmili-
31. Blanco Moheno, Roberto. (1920-) Ya con tar (campafa en el estado de Chiapas e Ist-
Wsta me despido.: mi vida, pero las de los de- mo de Tehuantepec, 1923-1924). Mexico,
mds. Mexico: Grijalbo, 1986. 351 p. D.E, 1948. 144 p.
Genre: Memoirs Genre: Memoirs
Period covered: 1920-1985 Period covered: 1923-1924
More than in two earlier works reporter General in army, Bravo Izquierdo fought
Blanco Moheno covers life from birth to Adolfo de la Huerta, who rebelled against
publication of present book. Not autobiog- Obreg6n. Eyewitness/participant moments
raphy proper, Ya con esta reflects genre of of quelling revolt diluted with historical com-
memoirs for author's concentration on ex- mentary.
ternal events. Opinionated and honest to
point of scandal, he portrays alcoholic fa-36. Brimmer, Gaby. (1947-) Cartas de Gaby.
ther, suffering mother and poverty-bur- Mexico: Editorial Grijalbo, 1982. 136 p.
dened siblings first in Coatepec (Guerrero) Genre: Memoirs
and then in Mexico City. No chapter divi- Period covered: 1973-1981
sions interrupt discursive flow of succinct Collection forms three separate compo-
essays and autobiographical fact. nents, letters to Elena Poniatowska, to fam-
ily and to friends. Intimate of Poniatowska
32. Bosques Saldivar, Gilberto. (1892-) His-P (q.v. 255), Brimmer, severly handicapped
torialoralde la diplomacia mexicana. Mdxi- shows more of self surviving and achieving
co: Archivo Hist6rico Diplomatico Mexica- with severe physical handicap. Frankness
no, 1988. about family relationships, excitement over
Genre: Memoirs adopted daughter, and comments about cur-
Period covered: 1892-1962 rent events comprise other themes.
Born in Villa de Chiahutla, Puebla, Bosques
Saldivar, school teacher and senator, images37. Brimmer, Gaby and Elena Poniatowska.
years in diplomatic corps in France, Portu- (1947-Birth year of Brimmer). GabyBrimmer.
gal, Sweden, Finland and Cuba. Service, Mexico: Editorial Grijalbo, 1979. 200 p.
1938-1964, spanned WWII through Cuban Genre: Oral autobiography
Revolution: Spanish refugees, prisoner of Period covered: 1947-1979
Germans, Cold War, and mounting of Mexi- As center of autobiography, Gaby's confes-
can art exhibit. He interprets Mexican rela- sions dominate; however, two others inter-
tions with Cuba from Batista to Revolution. vene and perceive her life, her nurse and
No particulars on methodology or editing companion, Florencia and her mother Sari.
accompany product of oral history program. Gaby refuses to surrender to cerebral palsy
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Period
and determines to live normally. Gaby covered: 1918-1987
infre-
quently amplifies with poem segmentsDoctorofof law, Burgoa was professor, univer-
clear Poniatowska prose. Gaby, un sityado
administrator and judge in Federal Dis-
trict.
despudse (Mexico: Editorial Grijalbo, Of 15 books on law, his Las garantias
1980)
echoes in poems themes in presentindividuales
work and Eljuicio de amparo repub-
and in Cartas de Gaby (q.v. 36). lished many times. Burgoa pays more atten-
tion to youth, family and travels than do
most memoirists.
38. Brisefio, Romo. ( ? ) Confidencialmente;,
Mdxico social y burocrdtico al descubierto.
Mexico: B. Costa-Amic, 1967. 20042.
p.Cabrera Barroso, Enrique. (1953?-1971)
Genre: Memoirs Cdrcel municipal. Mexico: Ediciones de
Period covered: 1965-1966 Cultura Popular, 1973. 81 p.
Although Brisefio exposes problems of bu- Genre: Memoirs
reaucracy and society, only Part I manifests Period covered: 1961-1962
autobiography. Efforts to publish novel, Author, politically-left student activist, (one
Suedos, ilusionesy realidades (1965) unfied founder of Frente Universitario Nacio-
work. In addition to insider's view on pub- nalista, Circulo de Estudios Marxistas "Jose
lishing, he touches upon carnal love, incom- Maria Morelos y Pav6n," and Comit6 Civico
petent medical services and shoddy contrac- de Acci6n Social) traveled to Cuba for Revo-
tors. lution. In 1961, for political activities, he was
jailed in la Carcel de San Juan de Dios.
39. Brondo Whitt, Eulogio. (1887-) Chihua- Present document of prison life, work and
huenses y tapatios (De Cuidad Guerrero a love resulted from detention. Cabrera
Guadalajara. Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Barroso autobiographizes in introduction
Lumen, 1939. 165 p. and chapter one and passively records im-
Genre: Memoirs pressions in remaining part.
Period covered: 1938
Brondo Whitt first describes a journey 43. Cabrera de Tablada, Nina. (1871-1945-Life
through Chihuahua regaling reader with an-years of Tablada) fosdfJuan Tablada en la
ecdotes on hunting, folklore and regional Intimidad. (Con cartas y poemas ineditos).
personalities. Second part recounts ten-day Mexico: Imprenta Universitaria, 1954. 113 p.
visit with family in Guadalajara. Far inferior Genre: Memoir
to war experiences related in La Division del Period covered: 1917-1945
norte. As Cuban widow of famous poet, Cabrera
Tablada deserves forum. She touches on
40. Bufill, Jose Angel. (1889-1959-Life years of her life with him but noting his creative
Reyes) "Los amigos cubanos de Alfonso moods and inspirations and their travels to
Reyes: un dialogo ennoblecido por la cul- Cuba, Mexico, South America and U.S.
tura." Thesis (Ph.D.) George Washington, Memoirs should accompany Laferia de la
1986. 2 vols. vida.
Genre: Letters
Period covered: 1914-1956 44. Calles, Plutarco Elias. (1877-1945) Corres-
First volume biographizes not only Reyes fondencia personal, 1919-1945. Intro-
but twenty-two Cuban correspondents in- duccidn, seleccidn y notas de Carlos Macias.
cluding Jorge Mahiach, Jose Maria Chac6n Mexico: Fondo de Cultura Econ6mica, 1991.
and Felix Lizaso, Jose Varona, Francisco 535 p.
Jose Castellanos, Mariano Brull, Juan Genre: letters
Marinello, Eugenio Florit, etc. In forty-two Period covered: 1919-1945
years of letters, Reyes's personality Governor of Sonora from 1917 to 1919 and
emerges: intellectual liveliness, loyalty and president of Mexico, 1924-1928, Calles
warmth. spent much of career in government ser-
vice. First volume incorporates exchanges
41. Burgoa Orihuela, Ignacio. (1918-) Me- between Calles and other government offi-
cials with self realized mainly in family cor-
morias." epitome autobiogr4dfco. Mexico:
Porrna, 1987. 590 p. respondence, pp. 407-476.
Genre: Memoirs
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45. Camacho, Ramiro. (?) Mimadreyyo." 49.estam-
Cantui, Juan Luis. (1894-?) Memorias de 2n
pas histdricas de provincia, 1855-1937. modesto e tgnorado revolucionario:. ahos de
Guadalajara: Editorial "El Estudiante," 1943.
483 p. 1908-1912.
Genre: Monterrey, N.L., 1948. 118 p.
Memoirs
Genre: Memoirs Period covered: 1908-1912
Period covered: 1855-1937 Memories of young pro-Madero revolution-
Secundina Ruiz de Camacho (1855-1936) ary from Monterrey. Because of age, he be-
left unpublished autobiography from which comes aid to Colonel Justiniano G6mez but
her son Fr. Ramiro Camacho took excerpts never sees action. Document has value for
and complemented them with pieces of his vignettes of two leaders, Bernardo Reyes
life plus many paragraphs of historical expla- and Venustiano Carranza. Even in middle
nation. Fanatical Catholics from Guada- age, Cantu recaptures war fever of younger
lajara, mother and son oppose reform ofself.
1857 and also anticlericalism of 1920s in cu-
riously combined autobiography. 50. Carballo, Emmanuel. (1929-) De cuerpo en-
tero.: Emmanuel Carballo. Mexico: Edi-
46. Camara y Zavala, Felipe de la. (1815-1878) ciones Corunda, 1991. 65 p.
Memorias de don Felize de la Cdmara y Genre: Memoirs
Zavala. Mexico, D.E: Editorial Yucalpeten, Period covered: 1912?-1990
1975. 78 p. Short story writer and critic, Carballo in lin-
Genre: Memoirs eal account traces childhood in Guadalajara
Period covered: 1836-1840 in superb and honest portrait of parents cap-
Apparently published for first time in 1975, turing Tapatio atmosphere. Pages on pri-
memoirs of Colonel Felipe de la Camara y mary education through university form
Zavala are outstanding for 19th century. A some of best in autobiography. Clarity of
federalist, fighting against centralizing Santa prose and selection of ideas make reader
Anna, Camara y Zavala intersperses history wish for larger autobiography.
with autobiography data and anecdotes.
51. Carballo, Marco Aurelio. (1942-) De cuerpo
47. Campbell, Federico. (1941-) De cuerpo en- entero: Marco Aurelio Carballo. Mexico:
tero.:Federico Campbell. Mexico: Edi-ciones Ediciones Corunda, 1990. 58 p.
Corunda, 1990. 59 p. Genre: Autobiographical Essay
Genre: Memoirs Period covered: 1945?-1991
Period covered: 1941-1960 Novelist and short story writer, Carballo
In dialogue with sister, Campbell locates be- spent first eighteen years of life in
ginnings through lives of parents. Personali- Tapachula, Chiapas. Family relationships,
ties of father, a railroad telegrapher, and early love for reading, journalism in Mexico
mother, a primary school teacher, emerge City and other efforts at writing comprise
more delineated than author's in action in autobiography.
Navojoa, Sonora and Tijuana, Baja Califor-
nia. 52. Cardenas, Emilia. (1900?-) Emilia, una
myjer de fiquilpan/GrHselda Villegas Mu moz.
48. Cano Manilla, Ram6n. (1888-1974) Priso- Jiquilpan, Michoacan: Centro de Estudios
nero de Valle Nacional: bello capftldo de mi de la Revoluci6n Mexicana "LAzaro Carde-
vida. Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico: nas," 1984. 208 p.
Instituto Tamaulipeco de Cultura, 1985. Genre: Oral autobiography
Genre: Memoirs Period covered: 1906-1983?
Period covered: 1905 Interviewing Emilia Cardenas in 1982 and
Cano Manilla, Tamaulipan painter, left type- 1983, Villegas Mufioz recorded words as
written manuscript of autobiography. Haci- spoken, but mentions no interventions in or-
enda peon, he accompanies friend to Valle ganizing life of woman meant to be typical.
Nacional, an enforced prison camp in Revolution and Cristero wars impinge on
Oaxaca. Miraculous escape and return to lifestory that could be that of any woman:
Veracruz make for happy ending. Text, ac- parents, marriage, stories, riddles, songs, fu-
companied by autobiographical painting, nerals, etc.
condemns Porfiriato.
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Period covered: 1918-?
53. Cardenas D., Hip61lito. (1900?-?) Mifadrey
yo. Mexico: Editorial Stylo, 1962. 198Although
p. Casasuis de Sierra occasionally de-
Genre: Memoirs picts concrete reality, writings tend to self
Period covered: 1913-1924 analysis and her goal, "Mi deseo de penetrar
Child/adolescent growing up in undiscov- el significado de las almas, es mas agudo
ered Acapulco, he experiences early years cada dia..." (p. 139), is no less true for self
of Revolution. A caudillo mysteriously im- than for others. Comparison to Simone Weil
prisoned and yet somehow freed and pro- and Albert Schweitzer evidences both mys-
tected by Maderistas, father raised cattle in ticism and love for humanity (q.v. 58).
Guerrero. Coupled to skirmishes with en-
emy bandits and survival of family is 58. Casasuis de Sierra, Margarita. (?) 33de La
author's desire for education, a goal .lEE. Mexico: Editorial Cultura, 1930.188 p.
achieved by migration to Mexico City in Genre: Memoirs
1924. Period covered: 1922?-1930?
Nurse/postulant, young author finds mean-
54. Cardenas Hernandez, Gregorio. ( ? ) Adids ing in sufferings of others and validates
Lecumberri Mexico: Editorial Diana, 1981. Christianity by serving them. Working in
391 p. hospital, she daily observes and succors ail-
Genre: Memoirs ing.
Period covered: 1942-
Like Celda 16, Cardenas Hernandez vacil-59. Castellanos Everardo, Melton. (1920-?)
lates between sociology and autobiography.
Testimonio de un hombre." Entrevistas de
He is more observer and recorder than an Humberto Herndndez tirado a Milton Caste-
emotional sentient being. Initial chapters, llanos Everardo. Tijuana, Baja California,
history of prisons in Mexico foretell socio- Litografia Lim6n, 1983. 253 p.
logical nature of work in which life in prison Genre: Interview
dominates over life of prisoner. Period covered: 1971-1974
Questions and answers relate to specific in-
55. Cardona Pefia, Alfredo. (1886-1957-Life cidents in interview with former governor of
years Rivera) El monstrko en su laberinto. Baja California. Lawyer, Castellanos
Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Diana, 1980. 202 p. Everardo was federal senator and headed
Genre: Oral Autobiography political campaign for Adolfo Ruiz Cortines
Period covered: 1948-1950 in Baja California. Themes of campaigning
Cardona Pefia asks questions and then and government, drinking water, civic cen-
notes responses. 63-year-old Rivera reflects ter, and public finance deflect attention from
mainly on following topics: primitive, folk, self.
and pre Hispanic art, Mexican paintings and
art critics. Invariable childhood anecdotes 60. Castillo, Heberto. (1928-) Site agarran, te
grace earlier pages. van a matar Mexico: Ediciones Oceano,
1983. 150 p.
56. Carrillo Marcor, Alejandro. (1908-?) Afun- Genre: Memoirs
tesy testimonios. Mexico: El Nacional, 1989. Period covered: 1961-1975?
432 p. Engineer and author but mainly polemical
Genre: Memoirs journalist, Castillo founded Movimiento de
Period covered: 1904-1979? Liberaci6n Nacional, an anti-imperialistic
Lawyer, educator, editor of periodicals, poli- organization. Involved in MLN in 1968, he
tician and diplomat, Carrillo Marcor pre- was imprisoned for two and a half years.
sents self in hybrid memoir comprised Psychological problems such as meaning of
mainly of supporting documents and quota- time for prisoner more value than capture.
tions. Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, he was
educated both in U.S. and Mexico. Interest- 61. Castillo, Porfirio del. ( ? ) Pueblay Tlaxcala
ing life but not interesting autobiography. en los dzas de la Revolucidn. Mexico, 1953.
321 p.
57. Casasis de Sierra, Margarita. ( ? ) Las 11a- Genre: Memoirs
vesperdidas. Mexico: UNAM, 1961. 281 p. Period covered: 1910-1925?
Genre: Memoirs Constitutionalist colonel in army of General
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