New Edition of Paula Kollonitz's 1864 Mexican Travelogue Published by Promedia
Promedia Wien has released a new version of Countess Paula Kollonitz's travelogue from 1864, edited by Gabriele Habinger. This 208-page account recounts her journey aboard the Austrian frigate Novara, which departed from Trieste in April 1864, alongside Archduchess Charlotte and Archduke Ferdinand Max, who would later become Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. The narrative covers her travels to Rome, Gibraltar, Madeira, and Martinique, ultimately reaching Veracruz. Kollonitz resided in Mexico until October 1864, where she mingled with elite families while revealing her colonial-era biases and fascination with Mexican culture. The book, set for publication in 2026, includes Habinger's annotated commentary. ISBN 978-3-85371-560-4.
Key facts
- Paula Kollonitz's 1864 Mexican travelogue has been republished in a new edition.
- The book is edited by Gabriele Habinger and published by Promedia Wien in 2026.
- Kollonitz traveled as a lady-in-waiting to Archduchess Charlotte and Archduke Ferdinand Max (later Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico).
- The journey began in April 1864 aboard the Austrian frigate Novara from Trieste.
- Stops included Rome (with an audience with the Pope), Gibraltar, Madeira, and Martinique.
- Kollonitz lived in Mexico until October 1864, observing the culture and political turmoil.
- The travelogue details the difficult travel conditions in 19th-century Mexico, with a caravan of 85 people and over 500 crates.
- Maximilian's rule ended with his execution by a republican commando on June 19, 1867.
Entities
Artists
- Paula Kollonitz
- Gabriele Habinger
- Wilhelm von Humboldt
- William Hickling Prescott
- Napoléon III
- Ferdinand Max
- Charlotte
- Maximilian I
- Pope
Institutions
- Promedia Wien
- Harold Jantz Collection
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Locations
- Trieste
- Italy
- Mexico
- Veracruz
- Santa Maria de Guadalupe
- Mexico City
- Rome
- Gibraltar
- Madeira
- Portugal
- Martinique
- France
- Jamaica
- Austria