Subject
England -- Description and travel -- Fiction Books
Best books
Marie von Bunsen
Udo in England: Eine Reiseerzählung
"Udo in England: Eine Reiseerzählung" by Marie von Bunsen is a travel narrative written in the late 19th century. The book follows the adventures and observations of the main character, Udo, as he navigates through various experiences in England, from social events to encounters with local culture. It offers insights into both the societal norms of the time and the beauty of the English landscape. The opening of the narrative introduces Udo's arrival in London, where he shares his first impressions of the city and its inhabitants. He describes the pleasantness of the English countryside viewed from the train, contrasts it with the bustling city life, and recounts various interactions, including meeting his host and witnessing the protocols of English society. As Udo settles into his stay, he hints at attending social gatherings while navigating his new surroundings with curiosity and contemplation, setting the stage for further exploration of the social dynamics and cultural experiences he will encounter throughout his journey.
Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
A Cathedral Courtship
"A Cathedral Courtship" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a charming novel written in the late 19th century. The book is a romantic narrative that unfolds the relationship between two main characters, Katharine Schuyler and Jack Copley, as they journey through the picturesque English cathedral towns. The story primarily explores themes of love, social conventions, and the contrasting perceptions of beauty and architecture in Victorian society. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Katharine and Jack, providing a delightful look at their developing romance as they navigate their way through cathedrals and the complexities of their personalities. Katharine is accompanied by her overbearing Aunt Celia, while Jack, an architect, admires Katharine's beauty from a distance initially. Humorous incidents, such as Katharine's mistaken identity over her aunt’s belongings and Jack's awkward attempts to plan their encounters without alerting Aunt Celia, contribute to the lighthearted tone of the book. Their shared experiences at various cathedrals enhance their bond, reflecting Witiggin's exploration of the intersection of architecture and personal connection, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and love between the two characters.
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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