Subject
Italy -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
T. (Tobias) Smollett
Travels through France and Italy
"Travels through France and Italy" by Tobias Smollett is a travel book published in 1766. Written as a series of letters from a two-year journey through France and Italy, the work documents Smollett's observations with sharp wit and acerbic commentary on French and Italian customs, hygiene, and society. His frequently critical tone appealed to British readers but later made him the target of Laurence Sterne's satire. The book helped popularize the French Riviera among British travelers and influenced the development of travel literature.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Italienische Reise — Band 1
"Italienische Reise — Band 1" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a travel account written between 1813 and 1817, describing his Italian journey from September 1786 to May 1788. Fleeing artistic stagnation and court life in Weimar, Goethe traveled incognito through Italy, seeking renewal among ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces. Based on his travel diaries but heavily revised decades later, the work chronicles his route from Karlsbad through Venice to Rome, where he immersed himself in art and antiquity while grappling with his dual existence as poet and statesman.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Italienische Reise — Band 2
"Italienische Reise — Band 2" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a travel account written between 1813 and 1817, describing his journey through Italy from September 1786 to May 1788. Fleeing artistic stagnation and court duties in Weimar, Goethe traveled incognito as a "German painter," seeking renewal among Italy's art and ancient ruins. This autobiographical work, based on his travel diaries but extensively reworked, chronicles his transformative months in Rome, Naples, Sicily, and beyond, capturing his overwhelming encounters with classical civilization.
John Moore
A View of Society and Manners in Italy, Volume 1 (of 2) With Anecdotes Relating to some Eminent Characters
"A View of Society and Manners in Italy, Volume 1 (of 2)" by John Moore is a historical account written in the late 18th century. This work details Moore's observations of Italian society, culture, and the intricacies surrounding its notable figures while he travels through various locales, including Venice. The author aims to provide insights into both the political structure of Venice and the social dynamics of its citizens through letters. At the start of the volume, Moore embarks on his journey from Vienna to Venice, detailing the landscapes and experiences encountered along the way. He chronicles his travel struggles, including a lack of horses for post-horses and the inadequacies of local inns, which lead him to find unexpected hospitality with a kind widow. The narrative introduces readers to the picturesque yet complicated environment of Italy while weaving in humorous anecdotes and reflective observations on the nature of travel and contentment.
John Moore
A View of Society and Manners in Italy, Volume 2 (of 2) With Anecdotes Relating to some Eminent Characters
"A View of Society and Manners in Italy, Volume 2" by John Moore is a travel narrative and social commentary written in the late 18th century. The work offers insights into the culture, customs, and significant historical figures of Italy, particularly focusing on the observations made during the author’s travels. Through a series of letters, Moore reflects on various aspects of Italian society, including art, politics, and daily life, providing readers with a vivid picture of the sociocultural landscape of Italy in that period. The opening portion of the book explores Moore's admiration for Italian art, specifically the statues and busts from antiquity found in Rome. He expresses a preference for the representation of historical figures over deities, pondering the lasting impact of character over rank in terms of how future generations will perceive prominent individuals from history. He critiques specific statues like the Farnese Hercules, and highlights the emotional reactions elicited by famous works like the Laocoon and his sons, revealing both personal reflections and broader societal attitudes towards art and history. Moore's eloquent and thoughtful observations set the tone for a comprehensive exploration of Italian society through the eyes of an informed traveler.
Recently surfaced classics