American and British Writers in Mexico, 1556-1973

Hardcover Cloth 301 pages. Condition Very Good Dust Jacket Very Good. Presumed First edition 1974. Attractive red boards with black boxing and gilt embossing shows off this Clean, tight, square copy with no marks, highlights or bookplates. Book Well kept and carefully stored in unread condition. Slight shelf wear with unbruised tips. Edges have the usual yellowing, small stains and spotting. Price clipped dust jacket, discolored on spine with the usual shelf wear - a few tears, stains, scratches, wrinkles and chips. Not an ex-library, book club or remainder copy.

Drewey Wayne Gunn's groundbreaking work, American and British Writers in Mexico, 1556-1973, delves into the profound impact of Mexican experiences on English writers. From early British explorers who documented their impressions in Hakluyt's Voyages to the American Beats seeking refuge from the constraints of their own culture, Gunn traces a literary journey that transcends borders. Among the 140 writers explored are Stephen Crane, Langston Hughes, D. H. Lawrence, and Jack Kerouac. Gunn reveals how these authors, while capturing elements of Mexico—its colors, landscapes, and political atmosphere—ultimately reveal more about themselves. This pioneering study sheds light on the complex cultural relationship between expatriate writers and Mexico, offering essential insights for anyone interested in literary history and cross-cultural influences.

Drewey Wayne Gunn, Professor Emeritus of English at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, demonstrates how Mexican experiences left an indelible mark on English writers. Whether it marked the beginning, end, or turning point of a literary career, a sojourn in Mexico shaped their work. Gunn's exploration of this unique relationship provides a lens through which we can understand the full impact of expatriate experiences on writers. The vivid landscapes, alien atmospheres, and vibrant colors of Mexico come alive in the pages of this book, revealing the intricate interplay between personal identity and cultural context.

In American and British Writers in Mexico, 1556-1973, Gunn's meticulous research and eloquent prose illuminate the symbiotic relationship between literature and place. As Nobel Laureate Octavio Paz referenced this work in his New Yorker article, "Reflections—Mexico and the United States," it became a cornerstone for subsequent examinations of Mexico's influence on American and British letters. Gunn's insights resonate even today, emphasizing that the impact of expatriate experiences extends beyond geographical boundaries. This book invites readers to explore the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and self-discovery woven by these writers.