From Spain to Zacatecas (and Jalisco, Aguascalientes, etc.)

Hello Group,
this is more of a history question, but it pertains directly to genealogy. I'm curious what books are available that talk about the process/journey that the Spanish immigrants took when they first arrived, then settled where they did? In others, where did they embark from Spain? Who were the people that immigrated (they weren't all Dukes and wealthy landowners!)? Where did they land in Mexico? Did they already have a destination in mind or did they have to make their own way? What was the role of the Spanish crown/government (such as for soldiers and landless folk?).

If anyone can recommend some books that answers some of these questions, I'd appreciate it. Oh yeah, I guess I should mention that I can't really read Spanish beyond an elementary level.

Saludos,
Arturo