Mexican Cultural History and Mexico City Architecture in Mexico en el Tiempo, 1945 to 1946

Roberto Olavarria Mexico

First Edition

Olavarria, Roberto. Mexico en el Tiempo is a 1945 to 1946 illustrated Spanish-language book archive documenting Mexican historical memory, urban identity, architecture, and regional custom through a visual account of Mexico City and its surrounding districts. The two volumes trace Mexico from Mesoamerican civilizations through Spanish colonial development and into the twentieth century, using photographs, drawings, diagrams, and short historical texts to present the city as a layered cultural landscape. The grouping supports research into Mexican urban history, architectural heritage, civic identity, Indigenous and colonial memory, and postwar visual publishing in Mexico.

Archive of 2 books edited by Roberto Olavarria, published in Mexico by Talleres Excelsior in 1945 and 1946, both first editions in illustrated paper wrappers, text in Spanish, totaling 587 pages. Together the books provide a heavily illustrated survey of Mexico’s historical foundations and Mexico City’s districts, monuments, buildings, and customs, with black-and-white photographs and drawings used to connect place, architecture, and historical narrative.

[1] Olavarria, Roberto (ed.). Mexico en el Tiempo: Fisionomia de una Ciudad. Mexico: Talleres Excelsior, 1945. 302 pages. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, drawings, and diagrams, the volume follows Mexico’s development from Aztec and Maya civilizations through Spanish colonial growth and modern Mexico City, with short contextual texts on regions, buildings, and political history. [2] Olavarria, Roberto (ed.). Mexico en el Tiempo: El Marco de la Capital. Mexico: Talleres Excelsior, 1946. 285 pages. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs of postcolonial buildings and districts across Mexico City, with sections and index entries including Coyacan, Tlapan, Xochimilco, Milpa Alta, Ixtapalapa, Villa de Guadalupe, Tacuba, Tacubaya, Santa Fe, Cuajimalpa, Desierto de los Leones, Mixcoac, and San Angel; one section records the Day of the Cross ceremony at Cerro de Xochitepec, including the local procession carrying a large cross downhill to church before its return. Edge and spine wear; second book’s binding loose about 3" from the bottom but otherwise holding; foxing to some pages and wrappers; pages, text blocks, and images crisp and clear. Overall very good. A substantial illustrated Spanish-language record of Mexico City’s historical geography, architecture, and living regional traditions.

Item #20222

Price: $485.00