"Both quantitatively and qualitatively, this book delivers more than the title promises. Beginning with the earliest Spanish efforts to colonize the area north and east of Querétaro, continuing to the attacks against José Escandón and his ultimate vindication in 1776. Especially strong on the politics of conquest and settlement, describing viceregal administrations, colonial policies, as well as the actions of Hispanic settlers"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.