Sentenced to house arrest for forty-two days owing to his participation in a duel, Xavier de Maistre was inspired to write a travel memoir about the greatest journey a man can take. It is a journey which costs nothing, one which is equally well-suited to the "miserly or prodigal, rich or poor, young or old" -- even the idlest man will enjoy this "pleasure jaunt which will cost him neither time nor money." Come then: join Maistre in a journey round his room. - Summary by Steven Watson