Second volume of 6 from the editorial project coordinated by Enrique Florescano that tries to explain how social science, humanities and artistic/cultural creations have forged the institutions and the collective imaginery of Mexico in the last 3 centuries (1810-2010). Volume two "The Idea of our Historic and Cultural Patrimony" comprises studies on the patrimonial aspects that frequently are studied separately, although part of the rich natural and historic heritage that makes Mexico unique: volcanoes and corn; pyramids and churches; the icon of the virgin in which many Mexicans deposit their faith and destiny, the mineral resources, oil, the loved places, the beaches and the haciendas. Only the first three of the 6 volumes have been published. The remaining 2 other titles are: "La formación geográfica de México" (tomo I) and "La antropología y el patrimonio cultural de México" (tomo III).