History of town in southern part of state of Jalisco to mid 19th century. Organized into chapters by traditional epoch: pre-Hispanic age, conquest, early colonial age, period of viceroys, independence and post-independence. Focuses on town as symbol and heart of specific region and as key to its identity. Final chapter delves into history (to around 1820) of family from whom famous author Juan Rulfo (1917-1986) was descended.