How do the experiences of today's tourist compare with those of
more than a century ago? Views of Old Europe demonstrates that
there are interesting differences, and some surprising
similarities, between the present day traveler and his early modern
counterpart. It is a highly engaging and well-composed account of a
two-year long journey in the 1840s, mostly on foot, through
Britain, Ireland, Germany, Italy, France, Austria and Switzerland.
The work was so popular, that the original edition was followed by
many further printings in less than two years. This new edition,
with a new preface and index, is based on a revised 1850 version.
Although the book's talented young author, Bayard Taylor, went on
to become a diplomat, essayist, and poet, his first employment afer
leaving the family farm was as a printer's apprentice. The
idealistic youth's cherished goal was to visit various European
countries, to see first-hand the circumstances in which great
culture and art arose. When Taylor's cousin asked him to be his
companion on an extended journey through the Old World, Taylor,
although without much money, found the opportunity too tempting to
pass up. This memoir is multi-faceted. A multitude of perceptive
observations about European society are set against the background
of the journey narrative, which keeps moving at a deliberate but
very pleasant pace. In these observations, Taylor strikes just the
right balance between panorama and detail. The communities of that
time, in all their charm, ebullience, traditional customs, and
protectiveness, are brought into clear focus, facilitated by the
copious notes kept by the author. Over the long course, a variety
of beauties both natural and man-made were encountered: mountains,
rivers, lakes and woods, as well as galleries, museums, churches,
mansions, and cathedrals. But the tour had its share of challenges,
including fatiguing hikes on back-roads, inadequate funds, and
avoiding robbers. There was also a dearth of facilities conducive
to material comfort and convenience, such as hotels, restaurants
and shelters. Still, for Taylor, the advantages greatly outweighed
the hardships, and fond reminiscences are evinced in his lovely
prose.
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