Three streets in Mexico City bear the name of Guillermo Prieto, but this study is the first book-length biography of the popular nineteenth century Mexican figure. The highlights of Prieto’s political career (cabinet posts and twenty terms in congress) are covered in the book under review. His fame, however, stems from literary efforts which span five decades and encompass several genre. This phase of his life is well presented and based on years of sound research in Mexican periodicals.
Prieto was a great writer, but his biographer, whose middle name is Dallas, may be guilty of some Texas exaggeration regarding his subject’s accomplishments. The summary chapter evaluates Don Guillermo as “the most illustrious orator of his country in the XIX century,” the “first and greatest” epic poet of Mexico, the “greatest Mexican folklorist,” and gives him credit for being the greatest or first in four other literary fields.
Due to its unique and penetrating analysis of the life and work of Prieto, the monograph, originally in 1951 a doctoral dissertation at the University of Texas, deserved to be published, and it is fitting that it should be printed first in the language of the Mexican poet.
