Servia, Youngest Member of the European Family
or, A Residence in Belgrade and Travels in the Highlands and Woodlands of the Interior, during the years 1843 and 1844.
"Servia, Youngest Member of the European Family" by A. A. Paton is a travel narrative written in the mid-19th century. The book chronicles the author's reflections and experiences during his travels in Serbia and its surroundings, offering a detailed account of the region's customs, landscapes, and the contrast between its native and foreign influences. At the start of the narrative, the author expresses a sense of ennui after four years in the East and sets off from Beyrout to various locations, including Rhodes and Varna, before venturing into Serbia. The opening chapters detail his observations on cultural differences, his interactions with diverse individuals such as an American clergyman and a Mexican senator aboard the steamer, and his appreciation for the beauty and historical significance of places like the Mediterranean shores and the charming medieval architecture of Rhodes. This sections provides a rich context of the author's motivations and the dichotomy he perceives between Eastern and Western lifestyles as he embarks on his journey through the Balkans.