The Alps A Human History from Hannibal to Heidi and Beyond [Hardcover]

An entertaining, turbocharged race among the high mountain passes of six alpine countries.The combination of a contemporary first-person travelogue in which we motor along with OShea, traversing peaks and peeking into crevasses, and a time-tripping riffle through Alpine historys greatest hits proves an ideal mix.An ebulllient narrative. . . . This spirited jaunt into the peaks of Europe may inspire readers to pack their bags.With [OSheas] playful approach to language and a willingness to put himself in uncomfortable situations . . . this clever meeting of history, literature, and travelogue is a treat for readers of Bill Bryson and Tony Horwitz.Chock-full of colorful facts. . . . OShea is at his best when describing the architectural marvels of the places he visits, its literary trivia . . . and such folk-ways as yodeling. [He] comes across as a charming, ever-curious, and knowledgeable raconteur.I would follow Stephen OShea anywhere he travels, and this book is a real adventure, both geographically and intellectuallyan eloquent and engaging exploration that shows how and why these dizzy peaks have for centuries been at the forefront of the European cultural imagination.[OShea] is an amiable guide to the riches of this vast mountain rangeculinary, linguistic, literary, cultural and geologic.Splendid. . . . A great pleasure to read.A thrilling blend of contemporary travelogue and historical narrative about the Alps from a graceful and passionate writer (