Nikolai Gretsch's Travel Letters: Volume 2 - Letters from France

Reviews / Votes

"During his long and successful literary career, Nikolai Gretsch wore many hats-a philologist, pedagogue, writer, journalist, editor, and memoirist. The literary journal that he edited was instrumental in bringing all the best authors of the age to the Russian public. But less known are his accomplishments as a travel writer. An avid tourist, Gretsch crisscrossed many parts of Europe and wrote fascinating travelogues that are brimming with keen insights and vivid portraits of the European countryside, its history, and its notable personalities. Now, for the first time, we have his travel letters available in English. Lucidly translated and excellently edited by Ben P. Robertson and Ekaterina Kobeleva, this three-volume set offers us a unique opportunity to journey across post-Napoleonic Europe and see it through the perspicacious eyes of a witty, informed, and sophisticated observer. Highly recommended! - Alexander Mikaberidze, Louisiana State University, US "Ben P. Robertson and Ekaterina V. Kobeleva's deftly crafted edition of Nikolai Gretsch's Travel Letters brings forth the verve and wit running through a Russian subject's correspondence touching on daily and political life in post-Napoleonic Europe. Entertaining and informative, inflected by his personal preferences for monarchic Britain over monarchic France and the Kingdoms of Germany, Gretsch's observations say much about the political and social conditions of his moment. The letters and their commentary are a delight to read." - Verena Andermatt Conley, Harvard University, US