Enrique X. de Anda
La arquitectura de la Revolución Mexicana: corrientes y estilos en la década de los veinte.
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Investigaciones Estéticas, 1990. First edition. 9683615589 184 pages.
Large-format softcover volume, measuring approximately 9.5" x 11.25", shows very light shelfwear. Binding is sound. Pages are clean and bright. Text appears in double columns.
"Recognizing that a work of art—in this case, architectural production—cannot be studied in isolation, De Anda places it within its social, political, and economic context. The first chapter introduces the reader to the world of the "aesthetic trends" that dominated the scene for nearly two decades, from 1920 to 1934—a period when the quest for a "national expression" became most tangible. De Anda delves into the competing Europeanizing and nationalist currents in Mexico during this era, tracing the path toward the emergence of a novel architecture—a transformation defined not merely by stylistic shifts but also by the use of new and innovative materials.
Alongside Mexican theorists and avant-garde figures, the author highlights the contributions of foreign architects based in the country—such as the Italian Silvio Contry and the Frenchman Paul Dubois—whose role in enriching our architectural heritage was substantial.
The chapter titled "Architectural Trends" is of particular interest; here, the author illustrates these styles using the finest examples and most outstanding buildings in each category, providing an excellent historical overview that goes far beyond a mere catalog.
This profusely illustrated work by Enrique De Anda also features an extensive list of periodical sources and a bibliography that facilitate a deeper understanding of this significant study. For all these reasons, the Institute of Aesthetic Research is proud to include this book in its publications; it will undoubtedly enrich the currently sparse historiography regarding Mexican architecture during those crucial years."
