El expendio de libros de viejo en la ciudad de México (1886-1930): en busca de un lugar entre pájaros, fierros y armas

Abstract

Secondhand Bookstore in Mexico City (1886-1930). Looking for a Place Between Birds, Scrap and Guns. This article analyzes a topic which has attract the attention of historians, journalists, and librarians, but it has almost never been systematically researched: Secondhand book trade. The period of time between 1886 and 1930 is explored to criticize the romantic ways to approach this subject. Also, through the analysis of this ‘street business’, concepts like modernization, hygienic measures, and urban planning can be reviewed. For the purpose of writing this article, archives were consulted that are not specifically related to this topic, especially the Ramo Mercados of Archivo Histórico de la Ciudad de México. Finally, the article explores how secondhand books trade was linked to political, cultural and economic processes of the city