The American Egypt: A Record of Travel in Yucatan

"The American Egypt: A Record of Travel in Yucatan" by Channing Arnold is a journey through early 20th-century Yucatan, where the authors explore the wonders of the ancient Mayan civilization. Motivated by a desire to escape their ordinary lives, they leave behind a gloomy Liverpool autumn to seek adventure in the "Egypt of the New World." Their account focuses on Mayan architecture and seeks to uncover the civilization's historical and cultural importance, drawing parallels to other ancient cultures. The narrative begins by detailing the authors' transition from mundane life to the excitement and anxiety of their sea voyage, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of Yucatan's ruins and culture.