War on the Border

The Mexican borderlands in the early 20th century are a history buff's dream: violent, romantic, epic in scale, a little bit crazy, and featuring an astounding cast of larger-than-life historical characters. Out of this striking raw material Jeff Guinn has fashioned a riveting and supremely entertaining narrative. I highly recommend it. -- S. C. Gwynne, author of New York Times bestsellers Empire of the Summer Moon and Rebel Yell Engagingly written. . . . Mr. Guinn's deft writing makes War on the Border an enjoyable primer on Mexican-American relations in the latter years of the 19th-century and during the Mexican Revolution, as well as an adequate introduction to Mexican political intrigues of the time. -- Peter Cozzens * The Wall Street Journal * A tightly focused history of the relations between the U.S. and Mexico in the early 20th century . . . A riveting account of a dynamic period featuring larger-than-life characters and plenty of drama and suspense. * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) * A lively, intricate narrative of America's early-twentieth-century conflicts with Mexico, including the nearly year-long Punitive Expedition. . . . A rich examination of a thorny clash within the Mexican government and a quietly damning indictment of American foreign policy at a time when the U.S. expected Mexico to capitulate to every demand. -- Chris Vognar * Texas Monthly * General 'Black Jack' Pershing's 1916 pursuit of Pancho Villa into Mexico has, unfortunately, long occupied a dusty and overlooked corner of history. Let us now give thanks that Jeff Guinn has written a stirring book that promises to be the classic treatment of this hair-raising time and place. This is a terrific tale of valorous advances and feckless blunders, of brilliant commanders and greedy knaves, and every page crackles with high adventure. -- Doug J. Swanson, author of Cult of Glory: The Bold and Brutal History of the Texas Rangers Jeff Guinn has focused on a memorable period of border history -- the decade (1910-1920) of the Mexican Revolution. A gifted writer, Guinn is able to explain a complex situation peopled with larger-than-life figures. -- Charles H. Harris III, coauthor of The Texas Rangers in Transition: From Gunfighters to Criminal Investigators, 1921-1935 Guinn brings the U.S.-Mexico conflicts of the early 20th century to vibrant life in this superior history. . . . A riveting introduction to a lesser-known chapter in American history. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) * Guinn gives us a riveting account of one of the most dynamic periods in U.S.-Mexican relations. His captivating narrative is a result of his strong source materials and nuanced storytelling. This is a great read for both the academic and non-academic audiences alike. -- Miguel A. Levario, author of Militarizing the Border: When Mexicans Became the Enemy