Paco Ignacio Taibo II brings his book trilogy to life, highlighting Mexico's history in 1854-1867, a period he considers foundational to the country.

An exploration of a critical era in Mexican politics and political independence that still impacts Mexico today: 1854 to 1867. Through creation of the republic, coup, counterrevolution, and foreign invasion and using visits to historic battlefields and towns, as well as works of art and primary source documents, the narrator argues that this time period still influences Mexico today.—Buz Grover