Highways and Byways in Surrey

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

28057

Title

Highways and Byways in Surrey

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

"Highways and Byways" presents a celebrated series of regional travel guides by authors like Sir Frederick Treves, E.V. Lucas, and A.G. Bradley. These breezy, delightful volumes offer entertaining sidelights on men, manners, and local lore across England, Wales, and Normandy. Richly illustrated by artists such as Joseph Pennell and Frederick L. Griggs, the books combine historical depth with picturesque description, appealing equally to armchair travelers and tourists seeking charm, history, and artistic grace.

Summary up to 500 words

The provided text serves as a comprehensive collection of critical acclaim for the 'Highways and Byways' series published by Macmillan and Co., Ltd. This literary series, illustrated by renowned artists such as Frederick L. Griggs, Joseph Pennell, Hugh Thomson, and Nelly Erichsen, explores the history, landscape, and culture of various regions across Britain and Europe. The books cover a diverse geographical range, including Berkshire, Dorset, Oxford and the Cotswolds, Derbyshire, Sussex, South Wales, London, Hertfordshire, the Lake District, East Anglia, North Wales, Devon and Cornwall, Yorkshire, Donegal and Antrim, and Normandy. Each volume is authored by a specialist in that specific region, such as James Edmund Vincent for Berkshire, Sir Frederick Treves for Dorset, E.V. Lucas for Sussex, and A.G. Bradley for South Wales and the Lake District. The series is celebrated for its unique blend of descriptive writing, historical insight, and artistic illustration. Critics from publications like the Daily Telegraph, The Field, The Spectator, and The Academy praise the authors for their ability to combine topographic knowledge with engaging storytelling. For instance, Mrs. E.T. Cook's guide to London is lauded for her intimate knowledge of both Mayfair and City courts, while Arthur H. Norway's work on Yorkshire is noted for re-erecting grey ruins in vivid narrative form. The illustrations are frequently described as exquisite, enhancing the reader's experience by bringing scenes to life. A recurring theme across the reviews is the series' appeal to a wide audience, including tourists, historians, antiquarians, and those who enjoy reading about travel from the comfort of an armchair. The tone of the books is consistently described as breezy, delightful, charming, and entertaining. They are praised for their capacity to evoke emotion, bringing legends to life and capturing the 'tear and the smile' of the countryside. Ultimately, the series is presented as a definitive collection that elevates guide-book writing into a literary art form, offering readers an immersive journey through the heritage and beauty of these locations.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg28057.epub

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Categories

• Travel