Best Latin American History Books of 2025

Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs is a captivating and empathetic revisionist history of the Aztecs, based solely on the texts written by the indigenous people themselves. Camilla Townsend presents an accessible and humanized depiction of these native Mexicans, exploring their experience of facing the trauma of conquest and finding ways to survive. The book offers a unique perspective on the conquest, neither an apocalyptic moment nor an origin story, and provides an engaging interpretation for experts and non-specialists alike. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Mexico.

"Bad Mexicans" by Kelly Lytle Hernández is a groundbreaking narrative that reframes the understanding of U.S. history. It tells the dramatic story of the magonistas, the migrant rebels who sparked the 1910 Mexican Revolution from the United States. The book takes readers to the frontlines of the magonista uprising and the counterinsurgency campaign that failed to stop them. The author puts the magonista revolt at the heart of U.S. history, making their story integral to modern American life. This meticulously researched book is a must-read for anyone interested in Mexico's history and its impact on the United States.

Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America is a highly regarded and affordable history book that has been extensively revised to offer current cultural analyses of Latin American society. The book highlights an enriched and expanded map and illustration program, along with new quizzing and assessment options, offering more support to students and instructors. Written by John Charles Chasteen, a professor of history at the University of North Carolina, this book is a must-read for those interested in Latin American history. It is well-written, informative, and engaging.

"Deciphering Aztec Hieroglyphs: A Guide to Nahuatl Writing" is a groundbreaking guide that explores the intricate hieroglyphs of the Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs, one of the greatest imperial civilizations in the Americas. The book provides a step-by-step guide to reading Aztec glyphs, along with the historical and linguistic context needed to understand this fascinating writing system. Author Gordon Whittaker's passion for the subject shines through his precise and witty writing, making this an essential read for anyone interested in ancient languages, hieroglyphs, and the Aztecs. With its brilliant colors and judiciously distributed illustrations, this exceptionally handsome volume is a classic that should not be missed.

The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade is a fascinating and well-researched book that debunks the myths surrounding the Mexican drug trade. Author Benjamin T. Smith provides a comprehensive history of the industry, revealing how it went from a peaceful industry to a violent one dominated by cartels and kingpins. The book is full of vivid characters and surprising conclusions about drug use and enforcement. Smith's research is backed by leaked DEA, Mexican law enforcement, and cartel documents, as well as dozens of interviews. Overall, The Dope is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the violence in the drug war and how it shapes Mexico in the American imagination today.

The Major Problems in American History series presents a collection of primary sources and analytical essays on significant topics in US history. This edition focuses on the Latina/o history, encouraging critical thinking and discussion. Written by Omar Valerio-Jimenez and Carmen Teresa Whalen, both experts in the field, this book provides a comprehensive overview of Latina/o history, including state formation, cultural change, and Latinas in the global economy. This book is an essential resource for students and scholars of Latin American history and culture.

How Forests Think: Toward an Anthropology Beyond the Human by Eduardo Kohn is a thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional assumptions of anthropology. Kohn draws on his ethnographic research among the Runa of Ecuador's Upper Amazon to explore how Amazonians interact with the complex ecosystem. The author questions our anthropological tools and how they separate us from the rest of the world. However, he skillfully creates new conceptual tools from the properties of the living world itself. This book provides a unique perspective on how we relate to other beings and offers a more capacious way to think about the world.

Latinx Actor Training is a groundbreaking book that offers a fresh perspective on actor training practices for Latinx actors. The collection of essays and research by leading Latinx practitioners and scholars in the United States highlights the need to address the underrepresentation of Latinx actors in the industry. The book presents culturally inclusive pedagogies and explores heritage and identity practices that empower a new generation of Latinx actors. This book is a valuable resource for students, practitioners, and scholars interested in Latinx herencia, identity, and actor training. Overall, Latinx Actor Training is an inspiring and informative read that brings much-needed attention to the importance of diversity and representation in the arts.

Latinoamérica: Presente y pasado is an excellent introduction to Latin American history and culture for students. Written by Arturo Fox, an expert in the field, the book covers the pre-Colombian era to the present day and explores the Hispanic experience not only in Latin America but also in the US. The narrative style of the book makes it easy to read and understand. The author's vast experience in academia and his passion for the subject shines through in the book. Overall, Latinoamérica: Presente y pasado is a must-read for anyone interested in Latin American history and culture.

The Routledge History of Modern Latin American Migration is a comprehensive account of population movements to and from the region over the last 150 years. It covers a wide range of topics, including the historical mobility dynamics of different national groups and the main causes for migration. The book also addresses critical contemporary topics such as environmental migration, migrant religiosity, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on movement. This book is a must-read for scholars of Latin American and Migration Studies in the disciplines of history, sociology, political science, anthropology, and geography.