The Innocents Abroad: A Journey through Europe and the Holy Land with Classic Illustrations

Mark Twain's The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress is a hilarious and insightful travelogue that chronicles the author's journey through Europe and the Holy Land with a group of American tourists in 1867. First published in 1869, the book became an instant bestseller and has remained popular ever since.

The Illustrations

One of the things that makes The Innocents Abroad so special is its illustrations. The book includes over 230 engravings drawn by Dan Beard, a young artist who accompanied Twain on his travels. Beard's illustrations are full of wit and humor, and they perfectly capture the spirit of Twain's writing.

The Innocents Abroad: Classic Illustrations

by TOLMARHER

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	892 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Journey

Twain's journey begins in New York City, where he boards the steamship Quaker City with his fellow pilgrims. The group sails to England, France, Italy, Greece, and the Holy Land. Along the way, they visit some of the most famous landmarks in Europe, including the Louvre, the Colosseum, and the Pyramids of Giza.

Twain's descriptions of these places are both funny and insightful. He pokes fun at the tourists who flock to these landmarks, but he also appreciates the beauty and history of these places. For example, here is how he describes the Pyramids of Giza:

They were built by Cheops, a king who flourished at the head of the Fourth Dynasty, about three thousand years before Christ—or, as the Scotch say, B.C. They are all built upon the same general plan—a huge square base, with a succession of smaller squares on top of it, growing smaller and smaller to the top. They are built of limestone, and present a smooth, polished surface. The second pyramid is a few feet lower than the first, and the third is a few feet lower than the second. They are all about the same size at the base, each covering thirteen acres of ground. The first pyramid is nearly five hundred feet high, the second about four hundred and eighty, and the third about four hundred and fifty.

The Characters

One of the things that makes The Innocents Abroad so enjoyable is its cast of characters. Twain introduces us to a wide range of people, from his fellow pilgrims to the locals he meets along the way. These characters are all vividly drawn, and they bring the book to life.

One of the most memorable characters in the book is the Reverend Mr. Snodgrass, a naive and gullible clergyman. Snodgrass is constantly getting into trouble, and he is a constant source of amusement for Twain and his fellow pilgrims.

Another memorable character is the Egyptian dragoman Ferguson. Ferguson is a smooth-talking con man who is always trying to sell Twain and his fellow pilgrims overpriced souvenirs. Despite his dishonesty, Ferguson is a likeable character, and he adds a lot of humor to the book.

The Themes

The Innocents Abroad is more than just a travelogue. It is also a thoughtful exploration of American culture and identity. Twain uses his experiences in Europe and the Holy Land to critique American society. He satirizes the materialism, the provincialism, and the religious hypocrisy of his fellow countrymen.

For example, in one chapter, Twain describes his visit to the Catacombs in Rome. He is horrified by the way that the bones of the dead have been treated, and he uses this experience to criticize the way that Americans treat their own dead.

The Legacy

The Innocents Abroad is a classic of American literature. It is a funny, insightful, and thought-provoking book that has entertained and educated readers for over 150 years. The book is still relevant today, and it continues to offer valuable insights into American culture and identity.

If you are looking for a great travelogue, I highly recommend The Innocents Abroad. It is a book that will make you laugh, make you think, and give you a new appreciation for the world around you.

The Innocents Abroad: Classic Illustrations

by TOLMARHER

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	29561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	892 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE