Present-day Mexico

This critical edition introduces an unpublished travelogue by Czech-American traveller and polyglot Alois Richard Nykl, detailing his experiences in Mexico during the 1920s. The introductory studies provide insights into Nykl’s life, the circumstances surrounding the manuscript's creation, and his failed attempts at publication. Additionally, Nykl’s observations are framed within the broader context of how Czech society engaged with this region during the 19th and 20th centuries. In his narrative, Nykl reflects on the significant changes Mexico experienced in the early 20th century, comparing his first visit from 1907 to 1909 with his return from 1924 to 1926. He keenly observes the effects of the Mexican Revolution on both society and the landscape. This multi-layered text, enriched with Nykl’s photographs and a contemporary bibliography, offers the perspective of a well-educated individual with a distinctive life experience during a complex historical period. As such, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding this pivotal era.