The Labyrinth of Solitude: The Other Mexico, Return to the Labyrinth of Solitude, Mexico and the United States, the Philanthropic Ogre

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Summary: Los Mexicanos Defined
Review: I first read this book in the early 70's and enjoyed it immensely. Being od Mexican descent it gave me insight into who I am and why. I have read this book again recently, upon Paz's death, and found it still as enlightening. The style of writng is beautiful, poetic , and full of symbolism and metaphors. While working in education I highly recommended it to my collegues to better understand the Mexican psyche. Anyone who works in the public sector or deals with Mexicans on either side of the border should read this book. It will help you understand the mind of the Mexican and how it works. One of my all time favorite books that should be enjoyed by all people interested in human behavior.

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Summary: Mexico is described with realism, criticism,wisdom and love.
Review: I found this book full of sensibility and wisdom toward mexicans, their culture and periods, and search for identity. The author describes Mexico- past and present- with realism, criticism, and love. If someone wants to know why Mexico is like it is,the evolution of its ideas and its hidden differences with the United Estates, this is a great book !

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Summary: Mexico Finally
Review: I wonderful book that examines the political and human level of Mexico and its deep rooted history. Most people think of chaos in reference to this great country, I suggest you read this beautiful book to understand the complex structure of Mexico.

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Summary: Mexico is described with realism, criticism,wisdom and love.
Review: In Labyrinth of Solitude, Paz in writing this essay, portrays the differences of cultures between several countries, explains how he views the mexican society in a way only a Nobel prize winner could. As you read the book you become aware of certain distinctions which prove usefull as you travel around the world, and in attempting to understand the people and their culture.

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Summary: Romantic observation of cultures and society.
Review: In Labyrinth of Solitude, Paz in writing this essay, portrays the differences of cultures between several countries, explains how he views the mexican society in a way only a Nobel prize winner could. As you read the book you become aware of certain distinctions which prove usefull as you travel around the world, and in attempting to understand the people and their culture.

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Summary: PAZ PERFECTLY DESCRIBES WHO MEXICANS ARE AND WHY THEY ARE
Review: No other book has been able to accurately describe the Mexican psyche as Paz has done in this book. His eloquent prose style captivates the Mexican spirit in all its grace and in all its sadness. He brings all of Mexico's conflicts and taboos together and strips off all its masks to reveal the Mexican. I found his style to be poetic, eloquent, and majestic. Never had I read a book as powerfull and truthfull as Paz's. It is no wonder Paz was honored to receive the Nobel prize for this work. Any individual willing to read this book will finish it understanding Mexican culture and history better.

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Summary: PAZ PERFECTLY DESCRIBES WHO MEXICANS ARE AND WHY THEY ARE
Review: No other book has been able to accurately describe the Mexican psyche as Paz has done in this book. His eloquent prose style captivates the Mexican spirit in all its grace and in all its sadness. He brings all of Mexico's conflicts and taboos together and strips off all its masks to reveal the Mexican. I found his style to be poetic, eloquent, and majestic. Never had I read a book as powerfull and truthfull as Paz's. It is no wonder Paz was honored to receive the Nobel prize for this work. Any individual willing to read this book will finish it understanding Mexican culture and history better.

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Summary: Very Objective
Review: Paz give us one of the most objective views of Mexico, with this text is possible to understand a real perspective of mexican history.

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Summary: Poet searches for Mexican third path
Review: Paz's 'Labyrinth of Solitude' describes a Mexico of days gone by. 21st-century Mexico is dramatically more urban and modern, on the whole, than when Paz wrote this 50+ years ago.

Published in 1950, this was a book of its time. The Grove Press English translation is first rate; it reads beautifully.
Paz despised communism but was unimpressed with American materialism and narcissism, which in any event he thought inapplicable en masse to the Mexican character (as he piercingly described it) that drew so heavily on indigenous roots. He thought Mexico could find a third way, and he chose to start his search for it by heeding the millenia-old Socratic charge: know thyself. The result was a book one critic called an insult to every Mexican mother, though in truth it's nothing of the sort. His polemic made him no friends in the short term, however, even as it became an instant classic and catapulted him among the pinnacle stars of 20th century Latin American cultural critics.

Great to read while traveling, but good to keep in mind it's dated 5 decades. He's not describing the Mexican world a decade after NAFTA! His collected poems are worth the cost of admission, too.

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Summary: The most complete and detailed radiography of Mexico.
Review: Some say that when this masterpiece appeared in Mexico it was perceived as a mexican offending his own country, many censured Paz ideas:the birth of criticism and freedom of speech was taking place in Mexico.Since those years (the 50's), this radiography hasn't change a lot and this book has become a truly must read book. Its like a pre guide tour of one of the most mysterious countries in the world.Paz wrote about mexicans masks and inner faces. His sensual poetic prose dances with intelligence and beauty.