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Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes   By: (1850-1894)

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Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes is a truly captivating and adventurous travelogue penned by the renowned author, Robert Louis Stevenson. In this remarkable piece of literature, Stevenson takes us on a remarkable journey through the rustic landscapes of the Cevennes region of France, accompanied by none other than a feisty and enigmatic donkey.

The book unfolds as a delightful chronicle of Stevenson's challenging endeavor to hike through the rugged terrains and picturesque valleys of the Cevennes. Despite encountering countless hardships and obstacles along the way, the author maintains an unwavering determination to conquer the daunting trail, making for a truly unforgettable reading experience.

As we follow Stevenson's footsteps, we are not only treated to vivid descriptions of the stunning landscapes but also granted a unique glimpse into the author's own introspective musings. Through his engaging prose, Stevenson reflects upon the meaning of travel, solitude, and the profound connection one can forge with nature. His insights are filled with wisdom and charm, often imbued with a sense of wit and whimsy that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the narrative.

Furthermore, one cannot overlook the endearing presence of Modestine, Stevenson's faithful and stubborn donkey companion. Modestine's quirks and antics infuse the story with moments of humor and heartwarming companionship. The interplay between the author and his four-legged counterpart adds a touch of whimsy to the journey, while also serving as a metaphorical embodiment of the trials and tribulations faced by any traveler.

Stevenson's mastery of prose invites readers to intimately experience the joys and hardships of his exploits in the Cevennes. His ability to paint a vivid picture with words effortlessly transports us to the very heart of these picturesque landscapes. Whether it is the tranquil beauty of subtle valleys, the awe-inspiring majesty of towering mountains, or the simple pleasures of small villages, one is left breathless by Stevenson's evocative descriptions.

What sets Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes apart is its timeless charm and relevance. Even though the author embarked on this journey over a century ago, his observations and reflections remain as profound and relatable today as they were then. The book serves as a gentle reminder of the power of exploration and the transformative experiences that await those who venture into the unknown.

In conclusion, Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes is a magnificent travelogue that transports readers through time and space while simultaneously delving into the depths of human spirit and the wonders of the natural world. With its mesmerizing narrative, poetic language, and moments of sheer adventure and introspection, this book is destined to capture the hearts of both travel enthusiasts and literature aficionados alike.

First Page:

Transcribed by David Price, email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk Second proof by Margaret Price.

Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes by Robert Louis Stevenson

A New Impression with a Frontispiece by Walter Crane London: Chatto & Windus, 1907

[Frontispiece, by Walter Crane: front.jpg]

My Dear Sidney Colvin,

The journey which this little book is to describe was very agreeable and fortunate for me. After an uncouth beginning, I had the best of luck to the end. But we are all travellers in what John Bunyan calls the wilderness of this world all, too, travellers with a donkey: and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend. He is a fortunate voyager who finds many. We travel, indeed, to find them. They are the end and the reward of life. They keep us worthy of ourselves; and when we are alone, we are only nearer to the absent.

Every book is, in an intimate sense, a circular letter to the friends of him who writes it. They alone take his meaning; they find private messages, assurances of love, and expressions of gratitude, dropped for them in every corner. The public is but a generous patron who defrays the postage. Yet though the letter is directed to all, we have an old and kindly custom of addressing it on the outside to one. Of what shall a man be proud, if he is not proud of his friends? And so, my dear Sidney Colvin, it is with pride that I sign myself affectionately yours,

R... Continue reading book >>




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