Another great volume in the Time-Life Library of Nations series. These are all beautifully produced, competently written, and profusely illustrated; they are far above children's books, and provide a quite serious account of the history and development of the countries concerned. This volume illustrates well the process of take-over of the native Indian lands, by comparatively small bands of European, here Spanish, adventurers. The very nature of this conquest has also burdened these new nations with deep divisions and problems of development, as the dispossessed and impoverished peasant populations flood into the cities for a livelihood. Also well illustrated are the consequences of the very unequal distribution of ownership of land and natural resources, the greed of the dominant classes, and the despair of the masses. It is such a tragedy that there is not a better distribution of well-being, as Mexico, like many other countries in the region, is so richly endowed with resources, which could provide prosperity for all if only they were managed in a sustainable and equitable manner. ( )