The Englishwoman in America [Paperback]

A keenly observed and entertainingly written glimpse into nineteenth-century American society, by a young Englishwoman travelling alone.In 1856, Isabella Bird published this lively account of her trip to America. She entertainingly describes the difficulties and surprises of her travels by sea from England to Halifax and by road to Boston, Cincinnati, and Chicago, and the energy and diversity of American society.In 1856, Isabella Bird published this lively account of her trip to America. She entertainingly describes the difficulties and surprises of her travels by sea from England to Halifax and by road to Boston, Cincinnati, and Chicago, and the energy and diversity of American society.In 1856, Isabella Bird published The Englishwoman in America, the first of what would be many books of her travels around the world. Adopting a tone of aloof bemusement, she describes in detail the hardships and annoyances of her travels by sea from England to Halifax, and on the road to Boston, Cincinnati, and Chicago. The book's 20 chapters are full of keenly observed and entertainingly told stories of pickpockets and luggage thieves, greasy hotels, and Americans who are very polite, but have the unfortunate habit of spitting on the floor. Bird admits to sharing the regrettably prejudiced view the English have of America, but nevertheless finds much to like and admire in this new country bustling with ethnically diverse immigrants full of energy and bravado. The Englishwoman in America is a wonderful travelogue that offers a lively and personal glimpse into mid-nineteenth-century America.1. Prefatory and explanatory; 2. An inhospitable reception; 3. Popular ignorance; 4. From St George's cross to the stars and stripes; 5. First experiences of American freedom; 6. A suspected bill; 7. The Queen City continued; 8. The hickory stick; 9. A vexatious incident; 10. The Place of Council; 11. 'I've seen nothing'; 12. A scene at starting; 13. The House of Commons; 14. Concluding remarks on lSÜ