Nikolai Gretsch's Travel Letters: Volume 1 - Letters from England

Description

Nikolai Gretsch's Travel Letters is a fully translated English edition of a three-volume account published by Nikolai Gretsch (1787-1867) in St. Petersburg in 1839. In the original Russian, Gretsch describes his travels in post-Napoleonic England, France, and Germany in 1837 at the behest of the Russian Empire. His official task was to examine educational systems, but as he travelled, he also noticed the cultural norms in his surroundings, the history of each country, and the personal experiences of the people he met. On his return home, Gretsch assembled his entertaining and often humorous personal observations into the edition that forms the basis for the present translation. His astute observations provide a rich contemporary resource for information about the countries he visited, especially given his status as an outsider. Additionally, as a result of his government position, Gretsch was able to move in social circles that would have been closed to many other people. In England, he once found himself in the same room with Princess (the future Queen) Victoria, and in France, he dined with Victor Hugo. Gretsch's observations offer a treasure-trove of contextual information that will be valuable to anyone interested in cultural interactions during the nineteenth century.

Ben P. Robertson is professor of English at Troy University. He teaches writing and literature and is especially interested in transnational Romanticism. Ekaterina Kobeleva is a Lecturer in English at Troy University. She teaches writing and world literature and has developed a special interest in translation techniques.

"During his long and successful literary career, Nikolai Gretsch wore many hats-a philologist, pedagogue, writer, journalist, editor, and memoirist. The literary journal that he edited was instrumental in bringing all the best authors of the age to the Russian public. But less known are his accomplishments as a travel writer. An avid tourist, Gretsch crisscrossed many parts of Europe and wrote fascinating travelogues that are brimming with keen insights and vivid portraits of the European countryside, its history, and its notable personalities. Now, for the first time, we have his travel letters available in English. Lucidly translated and excellently edited by Ben P. Robertson and Ekaterina Kobeleva, this three-volume set offers us a unique opportunity to journey across post-Napoleonic Europe and see it through the perspicacious eyes of a witty, informed, and sophisticated observer. Highly recommended! - Alexander Mikaberidze, Louisiana State University, US "Ben P. Robertson and Ekaterina V. Kobeleva's deftly crafted edition of Nikolai Gretsch's Travel Letters brings forth the verve and wit running through a Russian subject's correspondence touching on daily and political life in post-Napoleonic Europe. Entertaining and informative, inflected by his personal preferences for monarchic Britain over monarchic France and the Kingdoms of Germany, Gretsch's observations say much about the political and social conditions of his moment. The letters and their commentary are a delight to read." - Verena Andermatt Conley, Harvard University, US