Roman Holidays, and Others

Name: Roman Holidays, and Others
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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Travel Writing

About This Book

A series of travel essays traces journeys through Mediterranean ports and cities—Madeira, Gibraltar, Genoa, Naples, Pompeii, Rome and the Vatican, Leghorn, Pisa and surrounding villas—mixing brisk scene sketches, hotel and street portraits, archaeological and artistic sightseeing, and social observation. The narrator records casual incidents, local color, and impressions of antiquity and modern life, considers attitudes toward ruins and churches, and offers practical comments about accommodations, neighborhoods, and etiquette. Anecdotes and reflective asides connect guidebook detail with personal judgment, yielding a travel writer's blend of humor, curiosity, and restrained criticism.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.