Rollo in Switzerland

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22377

Title

Rollo in Switzerland

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A spirited travelogue following twelve-year-old Rollo and his uncle George on an adventurous tour of Switzerland. Blending educational geography with lively storytelling, the book captures the romance of the Alps, the thrill of mountain ascents, and the charm of Swiss hospitality, offering young readers an engaging glimpse into 19th-century European exploration.

Summary up to 500 words

In Jacob Abbott's *Rollo in Switzerland*, twelve-year-old Rollo embarks on a transformative three-week expedition through the Swiss Alps alongside his uncle, Mr. George. The journey begins in Paris, where Rollo faces the bureaucratic complexities of securing passports, learning that European travel requires official stamps from various governments and the prefecture of police. Demonstrating remarkable maturity, Rollo manages this process independently, enlisting the help of a fellow traveler named Carlos to navigate the city's offices before setting out. Upon reaching the Swiss border, the duo traverses rugged terrain using carriages and boats, visiting iconic locations such as Interlachen, Lauterbrunnen, and the shores of Lake Lucerne. A highlight of their adventure is the dramatic ascent of the Wengern Alp to view the majestic Jungfrau and its awe-inspiring glaciers. Throughout their travels, they encounter a diverse array of characters, including German students, goat herders, and local guides, gaining insight into Swiss customs and landscapes. The narrative vividly describes the beauty of nature, from the romantic valleys and foaming cascades to the perilous, narrow paths bordered by precipitous rocks and roaring cataracts. Rollo's resourcefulness is further highlighted as he manages his own budget, carefully tracking expenses against the allowance provided by his father. He proves his capability by engaging boatmen, hiring guides, and even acting as a courier for other travelers. The story emphasizes the skill of local guides, who navigate steep descents with dexterity, and the joy of discovery found in every new vista. The expedition concludes with Rollo returning to Paris having saved a significant portion of his allowance, having filled his heart with wonder at the Alpine scenery. The book serves as both a travelogue and a moral lesson on independence, observation, and the appreciation of natural beauty.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22377.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22377.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Travel