The first book of its kind, Goddess of the Americas is a prismatic exploration of the mother goddess, the Virgin of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico, protector of the downtrodden - a perfect fusion of Aztec, indigenous, Catholic, and folkloric world traditions, who made her first miraculous appearance on American soil in 1531.

Through a variety of forms - original essays, historical writings, fiction, drama, and poetry - the illustrious contributors to this volume examine the impact this potent deity has had on the history of Mexico, its people, politics, religion, art, and literature, and her influence beyond that country, in Latin America, North America, and Europe.