Ram n Beteta was an important figure in Mexican life: politician, Cabinet member, diplomat, economist, professor, journalist. The manuscript of Jarano was found among his papers after his death in 1965 and was published in Mexico in 1966. "Jarano," the kind of broad sombrero worn by charros, was the secret nickname--partly disrespectful, partly amused, partly affectionate--which Ram n and his brother gave to their father. Except for part...