Flandrau was a rich young American with an individual sense of humour and no prejudices, except against Western uniformity. His travel book, first published in 1908, is more than a ramble among the Mexican people. Based on his brother's coffee plantation, he spent the best part of five years in a country which he describes as 'one long carelessly written but absorbing romance'. His insights into the customs and character of rural Mexicans, and expatriate gringos, apply to this day.