Ink under the Fingernails: Printing Politics in Nineteenth-Century Mexico

During Mexico's independence era, the printing press was a powerful tool used by individuals and factions to gain political power. Historian Corinna Zeltsman's book "Ink under the Fingernails" explores how printer interactions with state and religious authorities shaped broader debates about press freedom and authorship. It sheds new light on Mexico's histories of state formation and political culture, identifying printing shops as unexplored spaces of democratic practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

In the vibrant era of Mexico's independence, individuals and factions from diverse backgrounds embraced the printing press as a formidable tool in their relentless pursuit of political power. Historian Corinna Zeltsman takes us on a captivating journey through the printing shops, government offices, courthouses, and bustling streets of Mexico City, unraveling the intricate negotiations and spirited discourses that shaped print's role over a century of political transformation. From the late colonial era to the Mexican Revolution, Zeltsman meticulously reconstructs the practical dynamics and intellectual battles that surrounded this powerful medium.

By focusing on the diverse communities that thrived behind urban presses, Zeltsman delves into their social practices, aspirations, and the profound impact their interactions with state and religious authorities had on broader debates about press freedom and authorship. This captivating book, meticulously crafted and ambitiously broad in scope, sheds new light on Mexico's rich histories of state formation and political culture. It identifies printing shops as unexplored spaces of democratic practice, where the boundaries between manual and intellectual labor blurred, fostering a dynamic interplay of ideas and voices.

Through vivid anecdotes and insightful analysis, Ink under the Fingernails offers a fresh perspective on Mexico's past, challenging our understanding of the role of print in shaping society and politics. It is a testament to Zeltsman's scholarly expertise and dedication to exploring the untold stories of Mexico's historical landscape. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on Mexico and Latin America, inspiring scholars and enthusiasts alike to delve deeper into the complexities of print's influence on history and society.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520344341