Historia y Descripcion del Ferrocarril Nacional Mexicano

Mexico City, 1888. Very good.. iv,204pp. Small octavo. Contemporary marbled boards, printed spine label, edges sprinkled red. Light wear at edges, minor rubbing to boards. Light toning internally. An uncommon, multifaceted account of and promotional for the National Railroad of Mexico produced during the late 1880s. The first part provides a brief history of construction and a synopsis of important dates since the early 1850s, when work on the first railroad in the country was begun. The second part comprises a general description of the current state of the railroad across Mexico, followed by detailed accounts of specific sections of the line, such as Mexico to Toluca, Toluca to Maravatio, etc., for the entirety of the route from Mexico City to Patzcuaro and from Acambaro to Celaya and San Miguel. The final section includes current railroad definition, an appendix of technical terms, fare information, potential itineraries, schedules, and more, with numerous printed advertisements at the rear as well. The whole is illustrated with eight plates depicting important features of the line and sights along the route. A very interesting handbook for late 19th-century Mexican rail travel.