Around the world with a young Swiss explorer in 1900 

Long before he became president of the ICRC, Zurich-born Max Huber travelled the world for two years. The young lawyer documented every step of his adventure. Now, over a century later, his grandson has brought the records and photographs to light. Today, only a few Swiss will recognise the name Max Huber. But in Ossingen, a small village of 1,700 people in canton Zurich, he is a local legend. The striking 13th century Wyden castle used to be his home, and since his death on January 1, 1960, it has remained almost untouched. His grandson Ulrich Huber, born in 1939, recently showed me around the castle which has now become a small family museum. Max Huber was born in 1874. He quickly climbed up the career ladder as a lawyer and diplomat. From 1902, he worked as a professor of law and served as an adviser on foreign policy for the Swiss government which required him to represent Switzerland at various international conferences. From 1920 to 1932, he was a member of the International ...