This book is a transcription of a recently discovered manuscript of a Grand Tour taken by a clasically educated American engineer in the years 1855 through 1857.

This book is a transcription of a recently discovered manuscript of a Grand Tour taken by an American engineer, Frederick Hubbard, In the years 1855 through 1857. In Part I (this volume), he begins in England, then travels to Madeira, Gibraltar, Spain, Sicily, Italy, France Belgium, Switzerland, and Malta. The trip to Italy includes an ascent of Vesuvius and a visit to Pompeii And The environs of Naples. The ascent of Mount Etna to witness the glorious sunrise is the zenith of his trip to Sicily. Within this work, The American engineer recorded his opinions concerning the art, religion, architecture, and social behaviour of the various cultures he encountered. The commentary on art and architecture will be found to be quite unorthodox by many. His views predate the popular writings of John Ruskin, who drew attention To The early Renaissance. He eschews the artistic instructions of guide-books. The generous annotation should be an aid To The initiate and an amusement To The adept of the travel-essay genre. Contemporary commercial engravings tipped into the manuscript and sketches by the author illustrate the work. An additional section of selected albumin prints of Rome and Naples has been included.

Recently discovered manuscript of a Grand Tour taken by a young American engineer in the years 1855 - 1857 encompassing Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land. Part II (this book) begins in Egypt where the author travels up and down the Nile, visiting tombs and villages. He continues on the "long desert route" to the Holy Land, retracing the probable route taken during the Exodus. Extensive observations are recorded in the Holy Land with insightful information and Biblical and social commentary. The route terminates in Beyrout, Syria (today Lebanon). The book contains contemporary maps and the author's own weather charts, and is generously annotated and profusely illustrated with original drawings by the author and "grangerized" engravings of the period. A selection of albumin prints (circa 1894) collected by the author's brother are also included. These prints illustrate many of the scenes described in the book.

A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for selected works by Mark Twain, the father of American literature. Titles in this study guide include A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, Life on the Mississippi, The Mysterious Stranger, Adventure of Huckleberry Finn, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. As an influential writer of the late-nineteenth-century, Twain became one of the greatest humorist in American literature. Moreover, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was created in his honor, and is presented to individuals who influence American society in ways similar to Twain. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Mark Twain’s classic work, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons they have stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains: - Introductions to the Author and the Work - Character Summaries - Plot Guides - Section and Chapter Overviews - Test Essay and Study Q&As The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.