Retrospect of Western Travel (American History and Americana Series) [Library Binding]

Harriet Martineau (Author)

Book Description

Series: American History and Americana Series | Publication Date: July 1969

Despite the hostile reception accorded some of Mrs. Martineau's comments on slavery, her perceptive observations on American life in the 1830's have particular relevance to today's student of history.

THIS TITLE IS CITED AND RECOMMENDED BY: Books for College Libraries; Guide to the Study of the United States of America; Usiana; Literature of American History; Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

1802-1876

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: Haskell House Pub Ltd; New ed of 1838 ed edition (July 1969)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0838301657
• ISBN-13: 978-0838301654
• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,717,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Need a primary souce for a history day project? Try this fascinating first person account of America in 1835!, January 10, 2012

By 

Hilary M. Murphy "Hilary Moon Murphy" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Retrospect of western travel (Paperback)

In 1835, English woman Harriet Martineau traveled to America and stayed there for two years, documenting everything she saw there. Martineau was an interesting observer: deaf, single, and a self-employed writer whose work supported her entire family. She was one of the most famous essayists and sociologists of the Victorian era. She has a disarming, open writing style and an opinion on everything. Like Austen, she is one of the more readable writers of the nineteenth century.

In this volume, Harriet gives her first hand account of the social worlds of Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and Washington D.C. She describes meals with President Jackson, observations of the Supreme Court, and a first hand account of a slave auction. She talks about personalities of famous people and the rhythms of daily life. I laughed out loud at her description of half-built, muddy little Washington D.C. and her opinion that it could not possibly last as the United States Capitol.

I found it entertaining, gossipy and insightful. If you are looking for a primary source that depicts daily life in the 1830's, take a look at this charming travelogue.

Note: I didn't purchase this volume. I read the book after finding a google books epub and converted it to my Kindle using Calibre. It was definitely one of the best free books I found for my Kindle.