Legends of the City of Mexico, collected by Thomas A. Janvier and first published in 1910, is a fascinating work of folklore that preserves the popular stories and oral traditions of Mexico's capital . Janvier presents these legends not as his own creations, but as genuine "folk-growths" that he gathered from the common people, aiming to capture their authentic tone and character . The collection includes a variety of tales that have been passed down through generations, many of which are rooted in historical events or mysterious happenings that have been creatively explained and embellished over time. These stories often feature supernatural occurrences, tragic romances, and encounters with spectral figures, such as the famous tale of La Llorona, the weeping woman who wanders in search of her lost children . Other legends explain the origins of street names and haunted places, like the Callejón del Muerto (Alley of the Dead Man) and the story of the Mulata de Córdoba . Janvier's introduction provides valuable context, noting that these legends reflect the customs, beliefs, and social conditions of their time, offering readers not only entertainment but also insightful sidelights on Mexican history and sociology . The book stands as an important effort to document a vibrant part of the city's cultural heritage, which the author feared would soon be lost to modernization and the "too-sophisticated younger generation" .

Table of Contents:

• Legends of the City of Mexico. Part 1

• Legends of the City of Mexico. Part 2