[HISTORIES]. ESCALERA, Evaristo and Manuel González de la Llana. Méjico histórico-descriptivo, seguido de la cronica militar de la espedicion Española. Madrid: Imprenta de M. Menuesa, Valverde, núm 5, 1862. [6], [i] ii-iv, [1] 2-336, [2] pp. 8vo (23.5 x 15.5 cm), contemporary quarter black Mexican sheep over mottled boards, spine gilt lettered and decorated, edges sprinkled. Light edge wear, corners bumped. Interior very fine. With two ink stamps of Durango bookseller La Enseñaza on half-title.

First edition. Palau 80759. Not in usual Mexican-American War sources.

A Spanish history of Mexico that has much political analysis. Written in justification of the tri-partite intervention in Mexico of England, Spain, and France to punish Juárez’s government and save Mexico, which they argue has gone downhill since independence. Spain’s interest in the matter was spurred by the mistreatment of its citizens and even of its ambassador. Of course, only France actually invaded, eventually setting up Maximilian as emperor.

The authors argue that by its very nature Mexico is weak and disorganized. The history of the Mexican-American War covered in chapters 8-11 is offered as more proof of that. They even argue that Scott’s conquest of the country, particularly the battles around Mexico City, was more a matter of luck, desperation, and Mexican incompetence than of true military might and skill on Scott’s part (pp. 109-111).