This collective biography offers insight into the more famous and infamous women in Mexico's history and weaves the tale of how their ways and deeds have shaped both a culture and a nation. The book starts with the conquest and ends with the twentieth century, outlining the lives of Mexican women and their causes. The women described in the book are socially diverse, embracing "saints, sinners, wives, mothers, business women, nuns, politicians, and transvestites"; their stories are presented without bias. The 7 chapters are: (1) The Conquistadoras; (2) Of Tribulations and Trials; (3) Practical Nuns and Other Sisters; (4) La Decima Musa; (5) Freedom Fighters; (6) The Lovers; and (7) Carlota and Company. The book contains an extensive bibliography and an index. (ALL)