Mexican literature has its antecedents in the literature of the indigenous settlements of Mesoamerica and European literature.[12] The most well known prehispanic poet is Netzahualcoyotl. Modern Mexican literature is influenced by the concepts of the Spanish colonialization of Mesoamerica. Outstanding colonial writers and poets include Juan Ruiz de Alarcón and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

Other notable writers include Alfonso ReyesJosé Joaquín Fernández de LizardiIgnacio Manuel AltamiranoMaruxa VilaltaCarlos FuentesOctavio Paz (Nobel Laureate), Renato LeducMariano Azuela (“Los de abajo”), Juan Rulfo (“Pedro Páramo”) and Bruno Traven.