An account of Charles Dickens's experiences in Italy in which he portrays a
nation of great contrasts: between grandiose buildings and squalid poverty, and
between past and present. Combining travelogue with social commentary, this
book is depicts an exciting and disquieting journey.In 1844, Charles Dickens took a break from novel writing to travel through
Italy for almost a year and "Pictures from Italy" is an illuminating account of
his experiences there. He presents the country like a magic-lantern show, as
vivid images ceaselessly appear before his - and his readers' - eyes. Italy's
most famous sights are all to be found here - St Peter's in Rome, Naples, with
Vesuvius smouldering in the background, the fairytale buildings and canals of
Venice - but Dickens's chronicle is not simply that of a tourist. Avoiding
preconceptions and stereotypes, he portrays a nation of great contrasts:
between grandiose buildings and squalid poverty, and between past and present,
as he observes everyday life beside ancient monuments. Combining thrilling
travelogue with piercing social commentary, "Pictures from Italy" is a
revealing depiction of an exciting and disquieting journey.
