Ignacio Zaragoza is, of course, known for his defense of Puebla against the French. This book by Berrueto Ramón is based upon research in the archives of the Secretary of National Defense, the state of Nuevo León, and the papers of President Juárez. The author has compiled a good summary of the life of Zaragoza, but it is difficult, at times, to discover just how the research has been used because of inadequate footnotes.
Zaragoza became a friend of Vidaurri and remained with him until 1859. At that time he had to make the decision between the Reform and Vidaurri. He picked the Reform. Approximately 190 pages of the book are devoted to Zaragoza’s life up to 1861. The remainder deals with 1861-1863, a period when his name became associated with fame. Throughout the biography the author blends political and military events so that the reader has a good understanding of their relationship.
