Tony Burton is an independent researcher, author and translator, born in the UK, who lived full-time in Mexico for about 18 years and now resides on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
Since 1996, Burton has been a contributor and consultant for MexConnect (Mexico Connect), Mexico’s leading independent on-line magazine. He wrote hundreds of articles for the website and developed the earliest online interactive maps of Mexican states and regions.
From 1994 to 2006, he was the editor and lead writer of the “Lloyd Mexican Economic Report,” a monthly newsletter to 130,000 clients of A. W. Lloyd y Asociados in 28 countries.
His books include:
- Lake Chapala: a postcard history (2022)
- Foreign Footprints in Ajijic: decades of change in a Mexican Village (2022)
- If Walls Could Talk: Chapala’s historic buildings and their former occupants (2020).
- Mexican Kaleidoscope: myths, mysteries and mystique (2016).
- Western Mexico: A Traveler’s Treasury (4rd edition, 2013); previous editions 1993, 1997, 2001.
- Geo-Mexico: the geography and dynamics of modern Mexico (co-authored with Richard Rhoda, 2010).
- Lake Chapala Through The Ages; an anthology of travelers’ tales. (2008).
- El Occidente de México; un tesoro para el viajero (translation by Lorenza Castiello V. of 3rd edition of Western Mexico: A Traveler’s Treasury, 2004).
All of his books are listed on his Amazon page.
His cartography includes Lake Chapala Map Set (2010) and numerous online interactive maps on MexConnect.
He has contributed chapters to many books, including:
- “The Border Story: The Effects of a Barrier Wall” in Echoes from the Wall: Real Stories of Mexican Migrants by Judy King (2019).
- “Recreación y turismo en la cuenca Lerma-Chapala” (Recreation and Tourism in the Lerma-Chapala Basin) in La cuenca Lerma-Chapala. Un Atlas sobre el ambiente, su gente y los recursos (Mexico: INE/UNAM/CONACYT, 2006).
- “Climate and Geography” in Mexico’s Lake Chapala & Ajijic. The Insider’s Guide, by Teresa Kendrick. (Austin, Texas: MTI, 2000, 2005).
- “Chapala, Ajijic, Jocotepec” in Traveler’s Guide to Mexico (1997).
- “Fascinating scenery of Western Mexico’s “Volcanic Belt”, and “Snowbirds and Butterflies” in Mexico Living and Travel by Jean and John Bryant. (California: MRTA, 1994).
- “Enjoying Jalisco”, chapter 13 of Retiring to Mexico, edited by Nellie and Len Friedman (Indianapolis: ACC books, 1992).
He has also given numerous lectures, workshops and has written several academic papers. As Chief Examiner for Geography for the International Baccalaureate Organization, 2003-2009, he gave workshops to teachers and educators on best practice in geography teaching in several countries.
His translations include:
- Paricutín, Fifty Years after its Birth (Guadalajara: Editorial Agata, 1993), which is Simón Lázaro Jimenez’s autobiographical account of the eruption of Paricutín volcano published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its eruption.
- Wolfgang Vogt’s literary study Juan Rulfo and the South of Jalisco (Guadalajara: Editorial Agata, 1995).
- Espacios del lago de Chapala by Carlos Valencia Pelayo (Editorial Agata, 1998). A Drink Named Tequila. by José María Muriá (Editorial Agata, Guadalajara, 1996).
- Tonala Ceramics – Living Roots by Gutierre Aceves (Editorial Agata, 1994).
- Past Times in Chapala by Jesús González Gortázar (Editorial Agata, 1992).
- Maps and Charts of Mexico from the sixteenth century to the nineteenth century. Various authors. (INEGI/INAH, Mexico, 1988).
He is currently working on several projects related to the history of the Lake Chapala area of Mexico.
Tony Burton’s books include “Lake Chapala: A Postcard History” (2022), “Foreign Footprints in Ajijic” (2022), “If Walls Could Talk: Chapala’s historic buildings and their former occupants” (2020), (available in translation as “Si Las Paredes Hablaran”), “Mexican Kaleidoscope” (2016), and “Lake Chapala Through the Ages” (2008).
fantastic articles I traveled to Ajijic in the 80’s with the traveling gypsy theatre group called the “elephantes Illuminados ” we stayed in the old gold mill of so much legend and fame I had lived in Ajijic in 1951 0r 52 with my parents read about Tomas Wolfes adventures there years before
currently seeking info about my parents, after they died in the 90’s much info was lost in three subsequent evictions. If i could have a copy of your article about them I will not reprint for money just to verify their existence
oop hard to edit here well protected website!
Nicolas Morris