Of the nine gunman who assassinated Pancho Villa in 1923, only three were still living when this volume was written. The core of the work is the testimony of Librado Martínez, one of these survivors. A second survivor refused to discuss his role, and the third offered but little information. A few other persons indirectly associated with the event were also interviewed and helped to round out the story.
The organization of the volume leaves something to be desired. Too many minor figures, testifying to the events of July 20, 1923, are introduced too quickly to permit the reader to assess adequately their role in the plot. The loose ends are eventually tied up in the last five or six chapters, but much of this material could have been put to better use in orienting the reader from the beginning.
By the author’s admission, this study is journalistic rather than historical, although the substance of the interviews is examined with reference to contemporary newspaper and eyewitness accounts. Long-known details of the event are verified by the participants, and a few additional minor facts, such as the amount of payment for the murder, are brought to light. Ceja Reyes claims that Martínez’ identification of Calles as the “intellectual author” of the crime proves earlier contentions that government officials engineered the plot, but he presents no further evidence to substantiate the old charge. While the story is fascinating and well dramatized, the authorjournalist has not been successful in unearthing important new materials.
