Isabella Bird spent much of 1890 roaming the exotic lands of Persia and Kurdistan, traversing the coast and secluded towns and villages, keeping this vivid, descriptive, diary of local life and culture.
While much of Europe had industrialized over the century prior, the Middle East of the late 19th century had not undergone such a transformation. Isabella Bird traversed Persia - modern-day Iran - and saw sights little-changed over the centuries. She traversed the coastline on ferries, and joined caravans to cross the land, recounting the appearance and customs of the locals, their marketplaces, cuisine, and worship. For the modern reader, her descriptions offer a window into a now-departed and romantic era of Eastern majesty.
An experienced travel writer, Isabella Bird spares little detail - the climate, the mannerisms of the population, the pulse of daily living in the towns and villages. Her narrations bring Persia to life; the beauty of places such as Kermanshah counterpointed by down-to-earth, frank discussions of remaining cool in an arid climate characterized by extreme temperatures, and sampling foods unusual to the Western palette. Accompanying the text are a total of fifteen illustrations of the local peoples, architecture and scenes of everyday life.
Sprache
Verlagsort
Produkt-Hinweis
Broschur/Paperback
Klebebindung
Maße
Höhe: 229 mm
Breite: 152 mm
Dicke: 14 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-78987-463-1 (9781789874631)
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Schweitzer Klassifikation
Isabella L. Bird, a pioneering explorer and travel writer in the nineteenth century, wrote her masterwork "The Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither," which exemplifies her adventurous spirit and strong observation skills. This travelogue follows her voyage around the Malay Peninsula, painting a rich picture of the region's landscapes, cultures, and people. Bird's narrative transports readers to the difficult terrain of the Malay Peninsula, where she travels through dense jungles, navigates perilous rivers, and encounters a variety of creatures. Her interactions with indigenous peoples provide insights into their habits, traditions, and way of life, enhancing the narrative with personal interest and cultural depth. As an experienced traveler, Bird's work is distinguished by its descriptive richness and acute attention to detail. She catches the soul of each location she visits, building vivid pictures with her words and transporting readers to faraway places. Beyond its travelogue components, "The Golden Chersonese" is a historical source that provides unique insights into British colonial development in Southeast Asia during the late nineteenth century. Bird's reflections on colonialism's impact on indigenous cultures deepen the tale, pushing readers to consider questions of power, privilege, and cultural exchange.
