Pancho Villa

Abstract

Providing both an analysis of the Mexican Revolution and a compelling story of the notorious Pancho Villa, this book describes this historical period from the perspective of its most iconic figure. Doroteo Arango—much better known as "Pancho Villa"—was one of the revolutionary generals during Mexico's turbulent times in the early 1900s. Villa was a train robber, a cattle thief, and a murderer, yet today he is revered by Mexicans and Americans for his accomplishments, and roads and neighborhoods in Mexico bear his name. Pancho Villa: A Biography provides a compelling life story full of adventure, the events of which helped define the course of modern Mexico. Through the lens of Villa's personal experience, author Alejandro Quintana offers an appealing, accessible interpretation of the complex turn of events that define the violence, confusion, chaos, and transformation in Mexico between 1910 and 1923. Organized chronologically, the book details the social tensions under the ruthless rule of dictator Porfirio Díaz; documents Villa's rise into becoming the most powerful military leader of the revolution; analyzes the civil war that resulted from Villa's differences with the revolutionary political leadership; and describes the reasons for his decline and eventual assassination.