A teacher and civil servant, Daniel Cosío Villegas (1898-1976) was best known for his broadranging studies of Mexican history. He came to be known for his lucidity and intellectual capacity in economics, history, and political science.

Daniel Cosío Villegas was born into a lower middle class home in Mexico City in 1898. During his childhood his family lived in several Mexican cities. Later he received bachelor degrees in both arts and letters from the National Preparatory School. After studying a variety of subjects, including engineering and philosophy, he received a law degree from Mexico's National School of Jurisprudence in 1925. Cosío Villegas excelled as a student and was active in student affairs. He successively served as head of the Student Federation of the Mexican Federal District, of the Mexican National Student Federation, and of the International Student Federation.

Cosío Villegas' post-graduate studies...