Mexican Works Offered by Plaza Books

Item 3 is a March 12, 1840 manuscript copy of a broadside decree issued a month earlier. It came from Juan Almonte, Mexican Secretary of War, and it provided for military decorations for soldiers who distinguished themselves during the Texas Revolution and the Pastry War. Almonte had fought during the Texas Revolution, being present at the Alamo. As for the Pastry War, that was a blockade of Mexico perpetrated by France, as they demanded a French baker in Mexico City receive recompense for damaged property from Mexico. That was resolved when Mexico was forced to accede to French demands, but France would intervene more seriously when it set up a puppet government under Emperor Maximilian in the 1860s. Ironically, the conniving Almonte would support the French as he sought personal power. When Maximilian was overthrown, Almonte was forced to flee to Europe, never to return. $1,750.

If you always wanted a large portrait of Porfirio Diaz to hang over the mantle but didn't know where to find one, you are in luck. Item 26 is a 23” x 14” poster of El Presidente circa 1900. Diaz ruled Mexico, mostly as its president, from 1876-1911. He was elected in 1876 as Mexicans looked for someone to restore order and bring economic prosperity to the land. He certainly achieved the first, and to a decent extent the latter, but as the years went on, he became more dictatorial and willing to use whatever force necessary to retain power. Toward the end of his regime, he promised to restore democracy, but instead used electoral fraud to retain power. Diaz wore out his welcome, and in 1911, was overthrown in a rebellion, and like Juan Almonte, fled to Europe, where he remained the rest of his days. $550.

Plaza Books may be reached at 707-217-9229 or plazabks@sonic.net. Their website is www.plazabooks.com.