Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks   By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks is an exquisite collection of travelogues written by the renowned author Nathaniel Hawthorne during his journeys across Europe. Published posthumously, this captivating book takes readers on a sensory voyage through the landscapes, cultural nuances, and historical ruins of the Old World.

Hawthorne's prose is as graceful as ever, as he meticulously documents his observations, impressions, and encounters with various European cities and their inhabitants. His writing transcends mere description, luring readers into a vivid tapestry of emotions and reflections, awakening a desire to explore these destinations for themselves. Hawthorne masterfully intertwines his personal reflections with historical anecdotes, providing readers with a multifaceted perspective of Europe's rich heritage.

The book is divided into two sections: the French Notebook and the Italian Notebook. In each, Hawthorne delves deeply into the essence of these countries, offering distinct narratives that underscore their cultural disparities. From the picturesque landscapes and charming streets of Paris to the ancient ruins and ethereal beauty of Rome, each destination is explored with a poet's eye.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is Hawthorne's ability to capture the essence of the people he encounters. Whether he is observing the Parisian locals, the humble fishermen along the Italian coast, or the passionate artists of Florence, Hawthorne's keen insights bring these individuals to life. Through his words, readers are able to glimpse the soul of a nation through the eyes of its people.

Furthermore, Hawthorne skillfully weaves themes of art, literature, and history into his travelogues, demonstrating his profound literary knowledge and understanding of the cultural landscapes he explores. Whether he is exploring the grandeur of Notre-Dame or unraveling the mysterious story of Lucrezia Borgia, Hawthorne seamlessly incorporates these historical and cultural interludes into the fabric of his narratives, enriching the reader's experience.

While Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks may be lesser-known compared to Hawthorne's more celebrated works, it is undoubtedly a testament to his immense talent and his gift for bringing places and people to life through his words. This collection is a captivating journey through Europe's storied past and an illuminating glimpse into the mind of one of America's most iconic writers. As readers turn each page, they will find themselves nostalgically lost amidst the cobblestone streets, picturesque landscapes, and indelible characters of Europe's enchanting cities.

First Page:

Hotel de Louvre, January 6th, 1858. On Tuesday morning, our dozen trunks and half dozen carpet bags being already packed and labelled, we began to prepare for our journey two or three hours before light. Two cabs were at the door by half past six, and at seven we set out for the London Bridge station, while it was still dark and bitterly cold. There were already many people in the streets, growing more numerous as we drove city ward; and, in Newgate Street, there was such a number of market carts, that we almost came to a dead lock with some of them. At the station we found several persons who were apparently going in the same train with us, sitting round the fire of the waiting room. Since I came to England there has hardly been a morning when I should have less willingly bestirred myself before daylight; so sharp and inclement was the atmosphere. We started at half past eight, having taken through tickets to Paris by way of Folkestone and Boulogne. A foot warmer (a long, flat tin utensil, full of hot water) was put into the carriage just before we started; but it did not make us more than half comfortable, and the frost soon began to cloud the windows, and shut out the prospect, so that we could only glance at the green fields immortally green, whatever winter can do against them and at, here and there, a stream or pool with the ice forming on its borders... Continue reading book >>