Subject
Automobile travel -- Fiction Books
Best books
Leona Dalrymple
Diane of the Green Van
"Diane of the Green Van" by Leona Dalrymple is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Diane Westfall, a spirited young woman who embarks on an adventurous summer journey in her gypsy cart, yearning for a life immersed in nature and freedom. Her encounters with various characters, including an aviator and her cousin Carl, set the stage for romance and intrigue against the backdrop of the idyllic countryside. The opening of the novel introduces Diane in the Connecticut hills during spring, where she enjoys the beauty of nature and the bustling excitement of preparing for her impending travels. While exploring a nearby lake, she meets a charming but hapless aviator stranded in his hydro-aeroplane. Their witty banter reveals Diane's upbeat personality and her intuitive nature, while the aviator's light-hearted demeanor hints at a budding connection. As the story unfolds, Diane's longing for adventure is palpable, and this chance meeting serves as a thrilling prelude to her upcoming gypsy summer.
Jean Giraudoux
Promenade avec Gabrielle Manuscrit de Jean Giraudoux illustré de seize lithographies en couleur par J.-E. Laboureur
"Promenade avec Gabrielle" by Jean Giraudoux is a lyrical narrative likely penned in the early 20th century. This book immerses the reader in a poetic exploration of love and beauty, as experienced during a sun-filled excursion outside Paris. The thematic focus revolves around a day in the life of the protagonists, with its vivid descriptions reflecting their feelings and the richness of their surroundings. The story follows Simon and Gabrielle on a picturesque drive through Parisian countryside, enlivened by the sunshine and the joy of their companionship. Their shared moments are filled with playful banter, deep appreciation of nature, and a sense of freedom found along the journey. As they maneuver through various landscapes and encounter different characters, the atmosphere shifts from joyous to introspective, revealing the complexities of emotions tied to love and fleeting happiness. The narrative captures a blend of lightheartedness and melancholy, ultimately painting a heartfelt portrait of their bond against the backdrop of a sun-drenched day, while hinting at the inevitabilities of time and change.
Gertrude Linnell
The Black Ghost of the Highway
"The Black Ghost of the Highway" by Gertrude Linnell is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two main characters, John and Marshall, as they embark on a road trip across Central Europe, encountering various landscapes and cultures. However, their seemingly innocuous travels turn serious as they uncover a political upheaval following the sudden death of a king, with rising tensions and royal conspiracies unfolding. At the start of the narrative, John and Marshall find themselves captivated by the beautiful scenery as they journey into the mountains, intending to visit a relative. Their drive leads them to the city of Herrovosca, where they witness the chaotic aftermath of the king's assassination, which sets into motion a series of events tied to a royal power struggle. As they attempt to navigate the tumultuous political landscape, they learn of the new king and his mysterious bride, Princess Maria Lalena, while also encountering the ominous legend of the Black Ghost of the Pass. The opening portion expertly blends the thrill of exploration with the undercurrents of danger and intrigue, setting the stage for a captivating adventure ahead.
Emilio Salgari
Una sfida al Polo
"Una sfida al Polo" by Emilio Salgari is an adventurous novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the fierce competition between two rivals, Montcalm and Torpon, both of whom are vying for the affections of the audacious Ellen Perkins, an intrepid sportswoman. The novel promises thrilling confrontations, sportsmanship, and elements of romance intermixed with competitive spirit. The opening of the book introduces an electrifying scene in Kingston, Canada, where a crowd gathers for a series of bets surrounding a boxing match between the two male protagonists, eager to win the heart of Miss Ellen. Amid cheers and excitement, both competitors are presented as esteemed sportsmen, engaging in various challenges while Miss Ellen upholds a vow to marry only the strongest contender. Tension escalates with the unexpected arrival of law enforcement, setting the stage for a chaotic clash between the crowd and the police, ultimately leading the protagonists to seek a more private and lethal resolution in a duel, which further intensifies the storyline.
Leighton Parks
English ways and by-ways : $b Being the letters of John and Ruth Dobson written from England to their friend, Leighton Parks
"English ways and by-ways : Being the letters of John and Ruth Dobson written…." by Leighton Parks is a humorous epistolary travelogue written in the early 20th century. Framed as lively letters from two young Americans touring England before the Great War, it blends motoring adventures with sharp, affectionate sketches of English society, religion, and class. The likely focus is a light, witty comparison of English and American ways, aiming to entertain while gently promoting mutual understanding. The opening of this travelogue follows John, an overworked American clergyman, and his wife Ruth as a small inheritance prompts a long-dreamed European holiday—by motorcar. John endures a comic, hair‑raising driving “education,” they buy a “fool‑proof” Frontenac with a self-starter, sail on a German liner (complete with a Sunday service and reflections on national rivalries), and receive the car at Tilbury amid talk of docks and durability. Their journey up the Great North Road brings wrong-side-of-the-road blunders, a crumpled mudguard, cathedral visits, and literary musings, before a Yorkshire stay lets Ruth contrast smooth-running English households, nannies, and dinner rituals with American habits. A near-fatal downhill dash (caused by grabbing the fourth-speed lever instead of the brake) yields a key tip—use engine braking on descents—while Sunday brings an offended exit from a sermon on Jael and redemption in a tender evensong. The section closes with a Tory defense of the Established Church and a radiant slice of rural England: a huntsman “walking” hounds, a Derby-bred mount, a sheepdog at work, and irresistible cottages and gardens.
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