Travel to México

An Annotated Bibliography

Compiled by Jessica Knight, May 2004, under the supervision of Cristina Favretto.

Many of the books mentioned in this bibliography were donated by Dr. Thomas M. Davies. To find out more information about him or his collection please see his website.

México: General Travel

F1215 B39 1880
Becher, H.C.R. A Trip to México: Being Notes of a Journey From Lake Erie to Lake Tezcuco and Back, with an Appendix, Containing and Being a Paper About the Ancient Nations and Races Who Inhabited México Before and at the Time of the Spanish Conquest, and the Ancient Stone and other Structures and Ruins of Ancient Cities Found There.
Toronto: Willing and Williamson, 1880.
Description: vii, 183 p., [20] p. of plates: ill., map ; 23 cm.
Note: Illustrated with thirteen mounted albumen prints, some from photographs by Kilburn Brothers, includes index.
LC Subject: México -- Description and travel México-- Antiquities

The author uses eight letters written by a fellow traveler to narrate his story about a trip to México. The letters are in chronological order and describe travel by boat, train, and foot. In addition, each contains background on the city they are visiting.

F1213 C29 1851
Carpenter, William W. T. Travels and Adventures in México : In the Course of Journeys of Upward of 2500 Miles, Performed on Foot; Giving an Account of the Manners and Customs of the People, and the Agricultural and Mineral Resources of that Country.
New York : Harper & Brothers, 1851.
Description: 300 p.; 20 cm.
Note: Experiences of the author in the Méxican war and after his capture near Monterey in 1847.
LC Subjects: México-- Description and travel

F1215 C29
Carr, Harry. Old mother México. With illustrations by Louis H. Ruyl.
Boston New York, Houghton Mifflin company, 1931.
Description: iv p. 1 l., 270 p. front. plates. 21 cm.
LC Subject: México -- Description and travel
Méxican War, 1846-1848 -- Personal narratives

Carr combines a historical look at México and its heroes with descriptions of everyday life of the modern Méxican people. In each chapter Carr explains in great detail the traditions, history, and land of México.

F1246 C19 1967
Carter, Pel. Trails and Tales of Baja. Lake San Marcos, California: Southwest Arts Foundation, 1967.
Description: 206 p.: col. ill., map. ; 23 cm.
LC Subject(s): Baja California (México: Peninsula) -- Description and travel

This book contains details about trips to Baja California made by the author and his wife. They do not intend to cover all of Baja, but do write about unusual places and interesting people. The book includes information on native fish, plants, and trees in different regions. Carter has also incorporated pictures, bibliographical references, and an index.

F1246 C746 1970
Crow T. James. Baja Handbook. California: Bond Parkhurst Books, 1970.
Description: 96 p. illus., maps. 21 cm.
LC Subject(s): Automobile travel-México-Baja California (Peninsula)-Guidebooks
Note(s): Published in 1973 under title: New Baja handbook for the off-pavement motorist in Lower California.
Baja California (México : Peninsula) -- Guidebooks

Crow presents a detailed handbook listing the fundamentals needed for a vacation or trip through México. Some of these necessities include proper sleeping gear, food, water, and maps. Crow starts in Tijuana at the border and gives a thorough explanation of the nearby gas stations, restaurants, and stores in each town. He also writes about and provides pictures for various plants and trees.

F1216 D6 1968
Dodge, David. Fly Down, Drive México; A Practical Motorists' Handbook for Travel South of the Border. New York, Macmillan 1968.
Description: xii, 227 p. illus., maps. 21 cm.
Note: "Selected guidebooks:" p. 207-209
LC Subject(s): México -- Description and travel

Dodge supplies a manual that not only covers the basics of traveling in México but also discusses how to read the road signs and the prices of driving or flying to México in 1968. Places that Dodge recommends to tourists are described vividly and explained with detail. Toward the end of the book, Dodge provides addresses for important offices in México, the United States, and Canada.

F1216 G29 1969
Gardner, Erle Stanley. Host With the Big Hat. New York, Morrow, 1969.
Description: xvi, 247 p. illus. (part col.) 24 cm.
Note: List of 246 illustrations.
LC Subject: México-Description and travel

Gardner tells of two main adventures while traveling to México. First, he visits the archaeologically controversial site of the Julsrud collection of primitive figurines. Gardner includes a historical look at the mystery of Acambaro. Second, Gardner presents his railroad trip through México City as a guest of the Méxican government.

F1215 G31
Geiger, John Lewis. A Peep at México: Narrative of a Journey Across the Republic from the Pacific to the Gulf in December 1873 and January 1874. London, Trubner & co., 1874.
Description: xiv, 353p. front., pl., fold. maps. 22 cm.
LC Subject: México-Description and travel

Geiger narrates his accounts while traveling to different parts of México on a vessel. He vividly describes his surroundings and provides an explanation of the people and their way of life. Some cities that are written about are Saluya, Guadalajara, and Guanajuato.

F1213.G6
Gordon, Hanford Lennox. Down the West Coast of México. Los Angeles, 1911.
Description: 8 p. ; 23 cm. Bound in a burgundy pamphlet folder.
Notes: Pages appear to be an extract from an unidentified publication. Unnumbered pages.
LC Subject: México-Description and travel

An account written in epistolary form narrating a journey in México via the train in 1911. The author describes his visits to Mazatlan, Acaponeta, Tucson, and various ranches. Gordon also tells of his experience riding a mule and floating along the river in a canoe.

F1313.G8 c.3
Gulick, Howard E. Nayarit, México; a Traveler's Guidebook to this Historic and Scenic State of México's West Coast, and its Capital, the City of Tepic., Glendale, Calif., A. H. Clark Co., 1965.
Description: 168 p. illus., maps (1 col. fold.) 22 cm.
Series: Clark guidebooks, 3
LC Subject(s): Nayarit (México) -- Description and travel
Note: Copy 3 gift of Dick B. Yale, 2002

According to Gulick, "The purpose of this book is to present collected information about this state which will be of use to the more-than-casual tourist." Gulick provides a geographical and historical background about Nayarit. This book includes information on the people, plants, animals, and artifacts of the state. Many black and white pictures are included.

F1215.H13
Haas, Elise S. Letters From México San Francisco, Priv. print., 1937.
Description: 1 p. l., 37, [1] p., 1 l. 241/2 cm.
Note: "Seventy-five copies printed at the Grabhorn Press."
LC Subjects: Haas, Elise S.
México -- Description and travel

As the title suggests, this book is filled with eight letters from the author about her travels. She includes events that are occurring as she stops by different locations. Haas also describes the people she meets and the land she observes in great detail.

F1215.J23 1987
Jackson, Everett Gee. It's a Long Road to Comondú: Méxican Adventures Since 1928. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, c1987.
Description: xiv, 160 p.: ill. ; 23 cm.
Series: A Wardlaw Book
LC Subject(s): México-- Description and travel -- Anecdotes
México -- Social life and customs -- Anecdotes

Artist and writer Everett Gee Jackson and his wife Eileen tell their stories of travel throughout most of Baja California and numerous other parts of México. Jackson vividly describes his visit to the village of Tenayuca and the Tlaloc of Coatlinchan. This book is filled with Jackson's own distinctive illustrations.

F1209.K85 1992
Kulander, Charles. West México, From Sea to Sierra: A Traveler's Handbook to the Baja California Peninsula and México's West Coast. Ramona, Calif. : La Paz Pub., 1992.
Description: viii, 344 p. : ill., maps ; 22 cm.
Note(s): Includes bibliographical references and index.
LC Subject(s): Pacific Coast (México) -- Guidebooks
Baja California (México: Peninsula) -- Guidebooks
México Western-Guidebooks

Kulander presents a in depth handbook that takes a regional look at the history and culture of West México, and directs his book towards individuals who seek adventure. He includes important information on transportation, hotels, health, weather, and historical sites. Kulander also provides 50 maps on various states, cities, and towns in México.

F1215.L47
Lee, S. M., Mrs. Glimpses of México and California. Boston, G. H. Ellis, printer, 1887.
Description: 3 p. l., [9]-124 p. 18 cm.
LC Subject: México-Description and travel
California -- Description and travel

According to Lee, "These letters, written in the haste of travel, and with no thought of publication, are printed in the hope that an account of what I saw in old México and new California in 1886 may prove as interesting to the next generation as the incidents of a journey I took to the Mississippi River in 1838 have always been to my own children" (from the Preface).

F864.L87 1961
Longinos Martínez, José, d. Journal; Notes and Observations of the Naturalist of the Botanical Expedition in Old and New California and the South Coast, 1791-1792. Newly translated and edited by Lesley Byrd Simpson for the Santa Barbara Historical Society. San Francisco J. Howell-Books, 1961.
Description: xvii, 114 p. fold., maps. 26 cm.
LC Subjects: Indians of North America -- California
Natural history -- California
Indians of México
Natural history -- México
California -- Description and travel
México-Description and travel

Longinos presents a chronological look at the Botanical Expedition to México from 1791-1792. The appendix contains Longinos' systems of measurements, his timetable, and a glossary. He also includes a map from México City to San Blas, Cape San Lucas to Mission Rosario, and Mission Rosario to San Francisco.

F1215.M325 1899
M'Collester, Sullivan Holman. México, Old and New: A Wonderland. Boston: Universalist Pub. House, 1899, c1897.
Description: iv, 266 p., [2] leaves of plates: ill., port. ; 19 cm.
Notes: Includes index and numerous illustrations.
LC Subject: México -- Description and travel

M'Collester addresses the stereotypes of México and its people in 1897. For example, according to the preface, "From the advent of Cortez into the country they have been pictured by the Spaniards a most barbarous and degraded race, pests and burdens of the land" (iv). He reveals compassion for the people of México and writes his narration based on the beauty of the country. While describing Mexico in detail, M'Collester also talks about historic events.

F1215.M68 c.4
Miller, Max. México Around Me. With illustrations. by Everett Gee Jackson. New York, Reynal & Hitchcock [c1937]
Description: 305 p. plates. 21 cm.
LC Subject: México -- Description and travel

Miller presents a narration of his travels through México. According to the preface, he wishes to include information on people and places that the standard guidebook does not. Throughout his book, Miller provides a colorful look at traditions, holidays, and nightlife in México.

F1215.M38 1931
Comisión Nacional de Caminos (México). Los Caminos de México. The Roads of México. México, 1931.
Description: 140 p., illus., maps, ports., tables. 17x24 cm.
Note(s) At head of title: Secretaría de comunicaciones y obras públicas. Comisión nacional de caminos. Spanish and English LC Subject(s): Roads -- México
México -- Description and travel

This is a general overview of the history of the development of highways in México, organized chronologically starting from 1925. General Plutarco Elias Calles, then president of the Republic, is noted as one of the principle reasons for the reconstructive programs in México. The four main highways discussed are; Nuevo Laredo, Suchiate, Guadalajara, and Veracruz. There are several pictures from the view of the highways. The book is written in both English and Spanish.

F1211.O2 c.2
O'Crouley, Pedro Alonso. A Description of the Kingdom of New Spain. Translated and edited by Seán Galvin. San Francisco J. Howell, 1972.
Description: xviii, 148 p. illus. maps (1 in pocket) 32 cm.
Note: Translation from original ms. in Biblioteca Nacional in Madrid, written 1774 with title: Idea compendiosa del reyno de Nueva España.
LC Subject: México -- Description and travel
México -- History -- Spanish colony, 1540-1810

F1213.P76
Poinsett, Joel Roberts. Notes on México, Made in the Autumn of 1822. Accompanied by an historical sketch of the revolution, and translations of official reports no the present state of that country. London, J. Miller, 1825.
Description: viii, 298 p., 1 l., 138 p. front. (fold. map) 23 cm.
Note: Appendix: 1 l., 138 p. at end.
LC Subjects: México -- Description and travel
México-- History -- Wars of independence, 1810-1821

Poinsett presents letters that were written in moments of leisure during his residence at the capital and throughout his journey through México. The only exception to this is the appendix, written later, which includes a historical narrative about México.

TN22.R53
Rickard, T. A. (Thomas Arthur). Journeys of Observation. San Francisco, Dewey publishing company, 1907.
Description: xvi, 255, vii, 130 p. front., illus., plates, maps. 25cm.
Note: Part of plates printed on both sides
LC Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- México
Mines and mineral resources -- Colorado
México-Description and travel
Colorado-Description and travel

Rickard offers an engineer's view of México. His narrative embraces a description of the mining towns of El Oro, Pachuca, and Guanajuato, as observed in October of 1905. Contains illustrations and drawings.

F1215.M38 1931
Robertson, Thomas. A Baja California and its Mission. Glendale, Calif. : La Siesta Press, 1978.
Description: 96 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.
Note: Bibliography: p. [93]-94
LC Subjects: Missions -- Méxicoo -- Baja California (Peninsula) -- History
Baja California (México: Peninsula) -- Discovery and exploration
Baja California (México : Peninsula) -- Colonization

This general history of the conquest of Baja California and its missions is organized chronologically starting from 1534-1697. Robertson discusses the present day missions (1978), and gives detailed directions to their current location.

F1213.R65 v1. & v2.
Robertson, William Parish. A Visit to México, by the West India islands, Yucatan and United States, With Observations and Adventures on the Way. London, Simpkin, Marshall & Co., 1853.
Description: 2 v. 20 cm.
LC Subjects: México -- Description and travel
Real del Monte (México)
United States -- Description and travel

Volume one is made up of two parts. With the help of his own letters, Robertson informs the reader of his travels to St. Thomas, Vera Cruz, and The Island of Perez in part one. In part two he touches on the Yucatan and Campeachy and his return to Vera Cruz. Throughout volume one Robertson tells of his many adventures, including being shipwrecked.

In Volume two, Robertson continues with the writing of his letters. He focuses all of part three on the City of México. Part four is dedicated to Real del Monte. Sections five and six give general accounts of México.

F1215.M38 1931
Rodman, Selden. The México Traveler: A Concise History and Guide. New York: Meredith Press, 1969.
Description: xix, 264 p. : ill., maps (on lining papers), ports. ; 24 cm.
Note(s) Published in 1981 under title: A short history of México
LC Subject(s): México -- History México -- Guidebooks

Rodman has divided his story into three parts. Part one is chronologically organized and contains excerpts on the history of México from 1500 B.C. to modern times (1968). Part two is devoted to various black and white illustrations of people and places in México. Rodman labels part three Travelogue. Rodman intends to shy away from the average guidebook and tie together the history of México with landscapes, landmarks, and primitive villages.

F1215.S16 c3
Safley, James Clifford. Méxican Vistas. San Diego, Union-Tribune Publishing Co., 1952.
Description: 206 p. illus. 24 cm.
Note: Book contains an introduction by General Abelardo L. Rodriguez (President of México, 1932-34).
LC Subject: México-Description and travel

According to Safley, this book includes vivid accounts of México today and takes a look back at México's past. Descriptions and photographs are included to show different land marks and people in various areas in México. Méxican Vistas contains chapters dedicated to Méxicali, Baja, Ensenada, and Tijuana.

F1209.S29 1978a
Schlundt, Hayes C. Living Easy in México: Living and Traveling South of the Border. Santa Barbara, Calif.: Woodbridge Press Pub. Co., c1978.
Description: 208 p.: ill. ; 23 cm.
Notes: Includes index
Author's autograph presentation copy
Special Collection copy gift of Harold Keen
LC Subject(s): México -- Guidebooks

Schlundt shares information about the pros and cons of living in México. As noted by Philip H. Hersey, in the foreword, "What he has done {Schlundt} and what so many other books have failed to do- is to point directly to some of the things one should learn in order to make living in this dynamic and hospitable country the satisfying experience it should be" (p.7). Part one covers what to expect in México and all of the steps to take to get there. Part two goes over living in México. In addition, he talks about multiple regions and cities. He explains how to select a home, how to make money, and how healthcare coverage works. Part three discusses traveling in México, with information on the Northern and Southern Riviera, the east coast, and Baja México. There are various pictures integrated into the reading.

F1215.S55
Sherratt, Harriot Wight. Méxican Vistas Seen From Highways and By-Ways of Travel. Chicago and New York, Rand, McNally, & co., 1899.
Description: 285 p. front., illus., pl., port. 20 cm.
LC Subject: México-Description and travel.

In this chronicle, Sherratt addresses the thoughts of Americans on México in the 1800's. She also describes getting ready to take a trip to México. For example, Sherratt talks about getting vaccinated, packing, and how much money to bring. The author gives historical accounts of each city visited.

F1213.T48 1847
Thompson, Waddy. Recollections of México. New York, Wiley and Putnam, 1847.
Description: p. l., [v]-x, 304 p. 21 cm.
LC Subject(s): México -- Description and travel

Recollections of México provides a unique perspective on travels to México because it takes place in the 19th century. This book offers an in depth look at what travelers thought about México and its cultures over a hundred and fifty years ago. Thompson talks about México's religion, customs, architecture, and history. The book contains an extensive appendix that is titled, Translations from the true history of the conquest of New Spain by Bernal Diaz, which describes what the Marquis del Valle did upon his return to Castile.

F1213.W25 1829 vols. 1-2
Ward, Henry George, Sir. México. London, H. Colburn, 1829
Description: 2 v. plates (part col.), map. 23 cm.
LC Subject(s): Mine and mineral resources -- México
México -- Description and travel
México -- History -- Wars of independence, 1810-1821

There are four separate sections to this book. Ward talks about the boundaries, population, and productions of México, and the Spanish colonial system in Book I. In Book II, Ward has offered a general overview of the history of México and discusses the Wars of Independence. Book III presents information on the Spanish navy and army, government, religion, and revenue that Ward discovers on his travels. Finally, the forming of mining and the mines themselves are talked about in Book IV. México contains an appendix of documents dated from 1809-1821. There are numerous charts and illustrations throughout the book.

Volume II offers personal narratives and includes particulars of a journey from Altamira to Catorce, by Robert Phillips. Also listed is an account of the province of Texas, by General Wavel. Notes on the state of Sonora and Cinaloa, by Colonel Bourne are introduced. Ward has added six illustrations and provided annexed documents.