A series of concise military biographies, each volume includes all of the important details and addresses a central organising theme to help the reader understand which aspects of a subject's character, background, or behaviour contributed to his or her success. These books will serve as a starting point for any novice reader who wishes to pursue a more sophisticated course of study of the subject. Most Americans regarded Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna as a villain for his brutal assault on the Alamo in 1836. What many don't realize is that few individuals have caused their own nation greater pain. He lost one-third of Mexico's territory in wars, sold almost another 30,000 square miles while pocketing most of the money, and repeatedly bankrupted the nation. His extravagance was legendary, as testified to by the burial of his amputated leg at the nation's great expense. He served as his country's president eleven different times over a span of thirty years and was constantly involved in devious political intrigue. Yet, in spite of his failings and notorious reputation today, Santa Anna was often viewed by his people as a hero and saviour. Robert Scheina analyses this complex man and pr