The Mediterranean

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

73849

Title

The Mediterranean

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This comprehensive guidebook offers detailed itineraries for travelers across the Mediterranean, covering seaports, sea routes, and major European destinations from 1909 to 1925. Featuring extensive maps, plans, and practical advice on transport, hotels, and local customs, it serves as an essential resource for navigating the region's diverse geography and culture.

Summary up to 500 words

Karl Baedeker's *The Mediterranean* serves as an exhaustive travel companion for the basin encompassing Spain, France, Italy, Greece, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. Published in its eleventh edition in 1911, the volume balances statistical precision with cultural observation, offering tourists a definitive guide to logistics, history, and regional specifics. The text provides meticulous logistical data essential for the era's traveler. It details steamboat lines connecting London, Southampton, and European ports to destinations like Las Palmas and Teneriffe, listing specific fares for various classes and return tickets. For those arriving by rail or sea in Tunis, the guide offers precise instructions on luggage handling, cab fares, and tramway schedules. It lists numerous hotels, from the prestigious Tunisia Palace Hotel to plainer options like the Hôt. Eymon, complete with room rates, dining costs, and proximity to key sites. Geographically, the work delves into the volcanic origins of the Canary Islands, distinguishing between the arid eastern group (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura) and the temperate western islands influenced by trade winds. It describes the dramatic geological formation of Tenerife's Pico de Teide and notes the islands' potential link to the submerged continent of Atlantis. The guide highlights the unique flora of the Canaries, including the stately Canary pine and dragon-tree, while warning visitors about the *tiempo del sur* wind in Lanzarote and the dangers of locust swarms. Historical context is woven throughout the narrative. In Tunis, the text traces the city's evolution from a Phoenician colony to a French protectorate capital, noting ancient ruins like Carthage and Thunes. It recounts the city's turbulent history, from its alliance with Carthage in 508 B.C. to its defense against Louis IX by the Hafside sovereigns. The guide also addresses practical cultural nuances, such as the necessity of bargaining in souks and the surprising fact that many Oriental goods sold in markets are actually European-made. Beyond Europe and Africa, the volume reflects the era's global connectivity by briefly listing guides for Asia Minor, India, and the Americas. Ultimately, *The Mediterranean* stands as a comprehensive resource that equips travelers with the knowledge to navigate diverse climates, understand deep historical roots, and engage safely with local customs.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Travel