The Romantic Period saw a massive advance in British colonial expansion, which was accompanied by a corresponding expansion in travel writings. These published letters, journals and books provided British readers with detailed accounts of new and exotic locations and thus engaged the reading public with expansionist enterprises.
Covering the period of the French Revolution up until Victoria’s ascendancy to the throne, and featuring journeys spanning France and central Europe, India, and South America, this collection brings together some of the most interesting travel accounts written by women at this time.
The authors included come from a variety of social backgrounds and their written styles are as varied as their journeys. For instance, Williams and Morgan were professional writers who may be described as ‘feminists’, while Fay and Falconbridge were ordinary women who had been through extraordinary experiences.
Volumes I and II: Letters from France Helen Maria Williams Volume III: Narrative of Two Voyages to the River Sierra Leone A.M. Falconbridge Volume IV: Original Letters from India Eliza Fay Volume V: Letters from the Island of Tenerife, Brazil, Cape of Good Hope and the East Indies Mrs Kindersley Volumes VI, VII and VIII: Italy Lady Morgan
