The preeminent German scientist Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859) traveled through the Americas from 1799 to 1804 observing its peoples and cultures, recording political and economic conditions, studying climates and geographies, and collecting flora and fauna. Biographies of Humboldt, however, have largely neglected his time in New Spain, from 1803 to 1804. Using Humboldt's writings on Mexico, including his widely read Political Essay and his private diaries and notebooks, Echenberg provides a more holistic view of the famous naturalist's time in New Spain. Humboldt traveled through Mexico from Acapulco to Mexico City with forays into the surrounding areas, before a final descent to Veracruz. Echenberg recounts and analyzes what the famous German naturalist saw, deftly placing it in the broader historical context of the late colonial period. This present book is also Echenberg's account of his own travel in the same region; he notes how historical developments since Mexican independence have changed the roads Humboldt trekked and places he visited. Finally, Echenberg grapples with critiques of the German scientist's activities and writings on Mexico.

Humboldt's travels and writings on Mexico focused on the viceroyalty's economic activities. The Spanish crown allowed Humboldt unrestricted access to Mexico because of his expertise in mining, and he was able to inspect New Spain's silver mines in Taxco, Pachuca, and Guanajuato. He wrote favorably of their potential, helping to attract British investment, but when the stock bubble burst in the 1820s, Humboldt rejected any notion that he was responsible for creating it. His writings also highlighted the deplorable working conditions of the miners and their resulting poor health. Although Humboldt spent much of his time in the mines, he argued that the wealth of New Spain was to be found in agricultural production. Humboldt's private writings and deeper readings of his published works show that he was far from a blind supporter of the Spanish crown, but rather a critic of the consequences of colonialism and an economic framework that favored Spanish commercial monopolies.

Humboldt's intellectual pursuits ranged through both the sciences and the humanities. He climbed to the summit of an active volcano, El Jorullo in Michoacán, using scientific instruments to measure volcanic gases. During his stay in Veracruz, Humboldt's observations about living conditions and the spread of yellow fever led him to propose sanitary measures such as ensuring potable water would be accessible to all inhabitants. He was also interested in the pre-Columbian peoples and cultures of Mexico, exploring the ruins of temples, pyramids, and urban centers.

This enthralling work is also a travel guide for anyone wishing to follow Humboldt's path through present-day Mexico. Echenberg notes significant historical developments and fascinating anecdotes about the places Humboldt visited. For example, he recounts the story of American William Spratling and the development of artisanal silver production in Taxco during the mid twentieth century. Perhaps most helpful to those who wish to retrace Humboldt's steps, Echenberg provides details about the best way to see and do the things that Humboldt did, whether it be climbing a volcano or visiting Xalapa, the city of flowers.

Finally, Echenberg examines how Humboldt's writings have fared in the years since his Mexican adventure. The German naturalist has been accused of facilitating the westward expansion of the United States. Echenberg notes that while Humboldt did share information with Thomas Jefferson as a fellow scientist, his writings provided a more balanced image of Mexico for North Americans and Europeans than did many others. His travel writings have been used as an example of orientalism. Echenberg acknowledges that the German scientist viewed Mexico through an elite northern European lens, but he also argues for a deeper reading of Humboldt's writings about New Spain, arguing that the German scientist highlighted the destruction wrought by colonialism and attacked the dominant economic and labor systems.

This very pleasurable read captures the imagination with rich descriptions of colonial New Spain and modern Mexico. Providing an engaging text for scholarly and popular audiences, Echenberg adeptly weaves together the diverse threads of Humboldt's writings on Mexico with a modern-day travel narrative of the German scientist's route.