Novel
The Eagle and the Serpent
El águila y la serpiente
Martín Luis Guzmán · 1928
Synopsis
A journalist who never gives his name recounts the years 1913 to 1915 of the revolution. Fleeing the Huerta regime, he makes his way north, meets Carranza, Obregón, then Pancho Villa, whom he serves and observes at close quarters, and later Zapata; he attends the Aguascalientes convention. The book, in two parts, “Esperanzas revolucionarias” and “En la hora del triunfo”, alternates portraits, scenes and short tales, such as the exploit of Rodolfo Fierro or the dream of the compadre Urbina, and moves from hope to disenchantment.
Context
The book was published in Madrid by Aguilar in June 1928; several chapters had first appeared in the press. Guzmán wanted to call it “A la hora de Pancho Villa”; the publisher dissuaded him, and he took up a phrase of Blasco Ibáñez's that described Mexico as the land of the eagle and the serpent. The Spanish press welcomed it with enthusiasm and a corrected second edition came out as early as December. Harriet de Onís's English translation appeared in 1930, the French one in 1967.
Who it is for
A large volume of scenes and portraits, which can be read in episodes; translated into French and English.
Prizes and reception
Regarded as its author's masterpiece and one of the great books of the Mexican Revolution; with Mariano Azuela, Guzmán is its principal novelist.
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