I wish to thank the friends and colleagues who have encouraged and helped me throughout the research and writing of this book. I could not have done it without them.

It was Laurence Whitehead who introduced me to the Center for U.S.—Mexican Studies in San Diego. Wayne Cornelius, the director of the center, has provided solid support and a warm welcome ever since. Peter Smith and Paul Drake have often cheered me up and cheered me on. Miguel Centeno's good humor helped me keep mine during the writing of the first draft, and long talks with Gerry Munck helped me get a better grip on some key concepts. Ann Craig and Neil Harvey have always been ready with creative advice and loyal criticism, especially in the rewriting of the first draft. Alan Angell and Ian Roxborough have given me constant encouragement over many years.

So many people helped me in Mexico that I cannot mention them all. But my research might never have prospered without the kindness of Francisco Suárez, Luis and Graciela Santander, Graciela Paredes, and David and Cristina Torres. Luis Hernández gave me invaluable contacts at the beginning of the fieldwork, as well as free access to his remarkable personal archive. Alberto Arnaut also provided a mass of primary research materials. Both Sergio Zermeño and Juan Molinar have been provocative critics at key moments. Above all, the book could not have been written without the generous help of the teachers of Chiapas (and elsewhere), who were always willing to talk with me in their effort to educate me to the meaning of their movement.