The Idler in Italy

This three-volume work (first published in 1839–40) describes the author's life travelling in Italy, France and Switzerland.

Marguerite Blessington (Author)

9781108045278, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 February 2012

416 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.53 kg

Marguerite Gardiner, countess of Blessington (1789–1849), was famous for her charm, wit and beauty, the latter reflected in Sir Thomas Lawrence's famous portrait of her in 1822. Blessington had an unhappy childhood, and was forced into her first marriage at the age of fourteen, but had developed a love of reading and story-telling. With her second husband Charles John Gardiner, first Earl of Blessington, she lived for several years in France and Italy. This three-volume work, first published 1839–40, contains Blessington's humorous account of living abroad. She gives detailed descriptions of her time in Italian cities such as Florence, Rome and Naples, drawing attention to 'the odour of the cuisine', the beautiful surroundings and weather, inspiring encounters with artists, and daily visits to art galleries. Volume 1 describes travelling around Switzerland and France, and ends with the author's encounter with Lord Byron in Genoa in 1823.

1. Dover
2. Calais
3. Rouen
4. St. Germain-en-Laye
5. Paris
6. Fontainbleau
7. Geneva
8. Lausanne
9. Berne
10. Baden
11. Zurich
12. Schaufhausen
13. Lucerne
14. Secheron
15. Lyons
16. Vienne
17. Lyons
18. Grenoble
19. St. Marcellin
20. Valence
21. Montelimart
22. Orange
23. Avignon
24. Aix
25. Marseilles
26. Toulon
27. Frejus
28. Cannes
29. Nice
30. Mentone
31. Ventimiglia
32. Oneglia
33. Noli
34. Voltri
35. Genoa.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB]