With Maximilian in Mexico

A remarkable experience of little reported events<br><br>The Second Empire of France was by the early 1860's in good health. France had acquitted itself well in the Crimea and in the war against Austria. The idea of a European monarch on the throne of Mexico was not a new one. France was attracted to the idea of a 'Latin' influence in America and thus the opening chords were struck of what would eventually be-to quote the author-'A Dance of Doom' the steps of which would lead the Archduke Maximilian to a stark wall there to be riddled with bullets from a Mexican firing squad. The author of this account-a young American woman living in Paris-was swept up in these extraordinary events and found herself in Mexico amongst its most influential figures. This is her essential and riveting story of turmoil and rebellion.