Mexican Postcards

Mexico's leading cultural critic, published for the first time in English. Carlos Monsivais is one of Latin America's sharpest social commentators, rivalling the popularity of Carlos Fuentes and Octavio Paz in his native Mexico. In this, the first translation in book form of his work, he presents an extraordinary chronicle of contemporary life south of the Rio Grande, ranging over subjects as various as Latino hip hop, Delores del Rio, the writer Juan Rildo, boleros, pop music, and melodrama. Monsivais's chronicles are laconic and satirica, taking as a constant theme the conflicts between Mexican and North American culture and between modern and traditional ways of life.A dazzling mixture of reportage and biting social criticism, Mexican Postcards is certain to establish Monsivais's rightful place in the pantheon of Latin America's greatest writers.

Carlos Monsiváis is the author of Mexican Postcards, Lost Love, Scenes of Frivolity and Shame, Free Entry and The Rituals of Chaos.