Originally written in the form of a series of letters to her mother, this book turned into one of the most insightful accounts of the political upheavals in Mexico prior to the First World War. Stationed along with her husband—America’s chargé d'affaires in Mexico—O’Shaughnessy used her keen eye and sharp wit to record a dramatic period of the Mexican Revolution, from October 8th, 1913, through to the breaking off of diplomatic relations on April 23rd, 1914.
She shows how continuous American meddling in the affairs of Mexico—and other parts of Latin America—have never served any purpose except to incite hatred against Americans.
The author’s account of these events earned her fame and praise in diplomatic historical circles, and her all-too-accurate observations on race, civilization, and Mexico have been proven correct countless times over since this book was first published in 1916.
Because of their too close personal relationship with Huerta, the O'Shaughnessys were eventually recalled from Mexico.

“We can put in any sort of government in Mexico—but can we keep one in? We encouraged the powers of dissolution around Diaz, recognizing and aiding Madero. The world knows the result. History always repeats itself here, and the writing on the wall is always in blood.”

This new edition has been completely reset and contains 175 explanatory footnotes which allow the modern reader to become better acquainted with the background details of the events described.

About the author: Edith O'Shaughnessy (1876–1939) was a journalist, biographer, film screenwriter and wife of United States chargé 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.