I am hoping someone has a better memory than I do! When traveling in Italy a few years ago, a friend lent me a travel memoir written I believe by a Brit in the mid-20th century. It had a particularly strong section on St. Francis and the Assisi area. Does this book or author ring a bell with anyone? We are traveling to Italy again and I would love to find an old copy to take with me. Thanks!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16769 posts
Barbara, could it have been H.V. Morton's "A Traveller in Italy"? It was written in the 1950's, and St. Francis figures prominently in parts of the book. It's coming to mind as I've been meaning to order both that one and his "A Traveller in Rome" one of these days. I have a copy of "In Search of London" and have re-read it many times; a terrific book from a supremely gifted, engaging writer.
It looks like you can get a used edition from Amazon (new printings are currently out of stock).
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I was thinking the same thing. Morton also wrote "A Traveller in Southern Italy".
Posted by
OP
california
23 posts
Thank you Kathy and Zoe! It is H.V.Morton and I can't imagine traveling through Italy without his insights! Thank you for thinking about this request and replying. Happy New Year!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Keep in mind that his opinions are reflective of the stereotypes of his time.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16769 posts
Agreed, Keith and Zoe, and I'd add somewhat elitist to that list.
While still plenty of unpleasantness out there, much our world has changed in the last 100 years.
Posted by
OP
california
23 posts
Yes, your comments remind me that I did react to some of what he wrote as being "a man of his time" and perhaps even an unpleasant man of his time. So I will reread it along with more contemporary travel essays with that in mind. Have you ever wondered, as I have, what people will think of what we are writing in about 100 years? Try as we might we all write out of our time, prejudices and world views. May God help us all!