In the twenty-one years since the first edition was published, the changes in the Mexican American community in the United States have been great indeed.

In this second edition of The Chicanos - with a new title - the authors have expanded their highly successful book to include the more recent past: the Chicanos' Movimiento of the late sixties and seventies; their considerable political and economic achievements; improvements in immigration law; the creative explosion in literature and the fine arts; the increased role of Chicanas; the rise and decline of four great leaders - Cesar Chavez, "Corky" Gonzalez, Reies Lopez Tijerina, Jose Angel Gutierrez.

A more extensive account is provided of the pre-Columbian world and of the impact of the early Spanish, who strongly influenced the rich Mexican culture. The long struggle of the Mexican American to be accepted by the Anglo community is not over and remains of great concern.