Rambles in Yucatan; or, Notes of Travel Through the Peninsula Including a Visit to the Remarkable Ruins of Chi-Chen, Kabah, Zayi, and Uxmal. 2nd ed

"Rambles in Yucatan; or, Notes of Travel Through the Peninsula" by B. M. Norman is a travel narrative written in the early 19th century. The book chronicles the author's journey through the Yucatan Peninsula, focusing on remarkable ruins and the cultural, geographical, and political characteristics of the region. It promises readers insights into both the ancient civilizations and the present-day society of Yucatan, providing a blend of exploration and observation. The opening of the book sets the stage for Norman's adventure as he embarks from New Orleans to Yucatan after a season of epidemic disease. Arriving at the port of Sisal, he provides a vivid account of his experiences, from the customs of the locals to the interesting ceremony he witnesses during a baptism. He discusses Yucatan's geographical layout, the social dynamics observed among its inhabitants, including the harmonious coexistence of indigenous people and Europeans, and the political climate of Yucatan at a time when it sought independence from Mexico. Throughout these reflections, he conveys his personal impressions and social interactions, setting a lively scene that invites readers to further explore the region’s mysteries. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Benjamin Moore Norman was an American book dealer and writer who benefited from the success of John Lloyd Stephens's book, Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatán. He was a beneficiary of a public offer by the author to return to the Maya region and further his studies. He initiated, on his own and anticipating Stephens, a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula and wrote about it.