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Reader rating: 5 out of 5 (1 review)
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The last prince of the Mexican empire :
Author: by C.M. Mayo. |
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1 out of 1 readers would recommend this to a friend.
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| The Empire\'s Last Stand | July 29, 2009 |
| By: eccolo | Alexandria, Virginia (US) | |
The political history of Mexico is as interesting as it is complex, but especially intriguing are the two brief periods when Mexico was ruled by an emperor. The first was the reign of Mexican-born Agustin de Iturbide (1783-1824), "The Liberator," which lasted from 1822-1823. When he unwisely returned to Mexico from the exile which had been imposed upon him, he was executed. The second was the reign of the Austrian Maximilian von Habsburg (1832-1867), brought to the throne under the auspices of Louis Napoleon of France and Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. C. M. Mayo's historical novel, The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire, provides a most engaging account of that second reign of 1864-1867. The Prince in the book's title refers to the candidate Maximilian had selected as his heir and successor to the throne of the Mexican Empire, Agustin de Iturbide y Green (1863-1925), grandson of "The Liberator." The intrigues, both personal and political, of the second regency are imaginatively related, including the roles played by the European courts of Austria, France, and Belgium. In the foreground is the presence of the United States, which at the time was distracted by its own Civil War and confounded, as ever, by all that is Mexico. Those who have read more than a little history of Mexico will realize the thorough historical research done by the author. Readers who have little knowledge of this history may encounter individuals they have not met before and may be confused by the realpolitik of time. New acquaintances for most readers will be the members of the de Iturbide family. Besides the grandson of "The Liberator" -- the last prince -- the principal de Iturbide cast of characters are his parents, Angel de Iturbide and Alicia Green de Iturbide, as well as Princess Josefa (Pepa) de Iturbide, his aunt. The reader interested in the history of Washington, D.C., will be taken with the description of the Green family estate "Rosedale," the house of which still stands, and with details of the social life of the period as experienced at diplomatic receptions such as those where Miss Alice Green first meets Angel de Iturbide, Secretary of the Mexican Legation. Central to the novel is the "adoption" of the de Iturbide y Green child by Maximilian and Carlota and the struggle of his mother, Alicia, to rescind that agreement. When in Paris little Agustin's parents appeal to John Bigelow, U.S. Minister to the Court of Louis Napoleon, the United States becomes unofficially involved. In tandem with the drama concerning Prince Agustin is the struggle of Maximilian to retain his crown. Involved in this struggle is General Achille Bazaine, Supreme Commander of French Imperial Forces in Mexico. Another colorful personage presented is the Mistress of the Imperial Household, Frau von Kuhacsevich. How exacting was the observance of court etiquette established in Vienna and how difficult to maintain it in Mexico! In Book Three, a small section at the end of the novel, we learn what happened to the de Iturbide family many years after the execution of Maximilian and the end of the Empire. Perhaps most tragic of all is what we read of Carlota's fate: her unending reign in her personal realm of madness. For futher reading there is a list of books consulted by the author in writing her novel. Those who want to know more about this book and of the other superb work being done by C. M. Mayo should consult her website: http://www.cmmayo.com.
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