Eothen

Eothen ( From the East ) recaptures a bold young Englishman’s exploits in the Middle East during the 1830s. Alexander William Kinglake recounts his rambles through the Balkans, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt in a style radically different from other travel books of his era. Rather than dwelling on art or monuments, Kinglake’s captivating narrative focuses on the natives and their cities. His adventures
populated by Bedouins, pashas, slave-traders, monks, pilgrims, and other colorfully drawn personalities
include crossing the desolate Sinai with a four-camel caravan and a sojourn in plague-ridden Cairo. Victorian readers were captivated by Kinglake’s chatty tone and his uncompromising honesty, and two centuries later this remarkable travelogue remains funny, fresh, and original. Presented here in a modern, up-to-date font, with an informative introduction by Simon C Drew. My favorite travel book. Sparkling, ironic, and terrific fun. – Jan Morris