Customer Reviews

Upstate Travels: British Views of Nineteenth-Century New York

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Obviously, one has to be familiar with upstate New York to fully appreciate this work. For those who are, it is very interesting. Haydon gives a seemingly well researched account of the upstate region between the war of 1812 up to the 1840's. The book is composed of selections from journals and books that British visitors wrote while visiting, as well as commentary from the author. It covers most of upstate with the exception of the Adirondacks, which the author claims was not fully explored (by British tourists) until later in the century. The author also claims to have preferentially included selections from lesser-known authors over those famous folks that can mostly be found elsewhere. I recommend this book, especially for people who are from the region and interested in reading some historical accounts from the early 19th century.

The first reviewer has done a great job of giving an overall feel for this wonderful book. I have been most struck by the cross-cultural insights this book provides, given that the writings about this American state are not by Americans but by British writers. You will recognize in their observations behaviors that to this day we consider typically American, from our propensity to place inordinate importance on making money to our unwillingness to walk when riding is possible to the speed with which we eat our meals! These were American traits as long as 200 years ago, as were our generally optimistic outlook and the hospitality shown by the average person. Even if you're not from New York State, it's a good read.