'Gabbert's empirically grounded, rigorous analysis of Yucatán's Caste War sets a new standard for the historical sociology of violence. This sterling monograph reveals a conflict driven principally by violence entrepreneurs on both the state and rebel side. These actors were motivated mainly by a 'war economy' based on raiding for spoils, and resorted to coercion to enforce their authority. Seen in this light, Yucatán's epic conflict resembled contemporary, low-intensity conflicts much more than a millennial event, ethnic revitalization movement, or racial struggle.' Ben Fallaw, Colby College, Maine