Diplomatic Days

The second book from the famous author of "A Diplomat's Wife in Mexico," this "prequel" work covers the tumultuous time in Mexico from May 1911 to October 1912-at the time of the election of Mexico's President Francisco Madero. Prepared in the light-but always fascinating-manner for which O'Shaughnessy became renown, this volume takes the reader on a whirlwind tour through the intricacies of Mexican politics, society, and revolutions, but finds time along the way to visit ancient archaeological sites, attend international political events, and explore the often highly humorous dilemmas faced by diplomats in Mexico in the early twentieth century. Among the many adventures regaled with classic O'Shaughnessy wit and charm are her impressions of Vera Cruz, Mexico City, Mexican servants, bullfights, earthquakes, the history of the Japanese in Mexico, the uncertainty of Spanish adverbs, the Dia de Muertos ("Day of the Dead" celebrations), the rise of Emiliano Zapata, the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan, diplomatic dinners-and the ultimately victorious progress of the pro-Madero forces in their march to overthrow the incumbent President Porfirio Daz. About the author: Edith O'Shaughnessy (1876-1939) was a journalist, biographer, film screenwriter, and wife of United States charg d'affaires in Mexico, Nelson O'Shaughnessy. In that latter capacity, she saw Copenhagen, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Vienna, Bucharest, Mexico, and finally Rio de Janeiro.