Episode · Conversations with Tyler · 2026-03-25
Tyler Cowen & Paul Gillingham: books mentioned on Conversations with Tyler
Paul Gillingham on Why Mexico Stays Together
Buy tickets for the live Conversations with Tyler recording with Craig Newmark at 92NY! Tyler calls Paul Gillingham's new book, Mexico: A 500-Year History, the single best introduction to the country's past—and one of the best nonfiction books of 2026.
Tyler Cowen recommended Mexico by Paul Gillingham, and discussed The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño. Paul Gillingham recommended Decencia by Álvaro Enrigue and You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue and others.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Mexico
Mexico by Paul Gillingham is a comprehensive historical work that examines the complex political and social evolution of the nation over five centuries.
Recommended“He has a new book out: Mexico: A 500-Year History. It is, in my view, the single best introduction to the history of Mexico and will be one of the best nonfiction books of this year, 2026.”
Where to get it
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The Savage Detectives
The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño is a sprawling, multi-perspective novel that follows a group of avant-garde poets searching for a vanished female writer across Mexico and various international landscapes.
Discussed“Pedro Páramo, for me, or even Savage Detectives. I know Bolaño is from Chile, but to me, it’s a Mexican novel.”
Where to get it
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Decencia
Decencia by Álvaro Enrigue is a contemporary novel that offers a sharp, satirical, and culturally grounded look into Mexican society and politics.
Recommended“One is like a modern Muerte de Artemio Cruz; it’s called Decency, Decencia, which anybody who likes Mexican humor, likes Mexico City, will just get.”
Where to get it
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You Dreamed of Empires
You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue, translated by Natasha Wimmer, is an imaginative historical novel offering an alternative perspective on the Spanish conquest of Mexico by reframing the historical encounter as a chaotic, high-stakes heist carried out by fortunate thugs.
Recommended“The other is You Dreamed of Empires in English, which is a retelling of the conquest as this glorified heist by a bunch of fortunate thugs, which I think most historians would agree with, and has some twists in it which are stunning.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“Before the last question, just to plug your book again, Mexico: A 500-Year History. Everyone should buy and read it.”