Tourists: How the British Went Abroad to Find Themselves

In 1815, the Battle of Waterloo ended the Napoleonic Wars and opened up Europe to British tourists. In her book "Tourists," Lucy Lethbridge explores two centuries of tourist experiences, from the discomfort of stagecoaches to the modern beach holiday. She examines how tourism has reflected changing attitudes to modernity and how it exposes deep fears, hopes, and longings for home.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

FOYLES NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH



I cannot express enough how highly I recommend this book, especially if you are planning a holiday. Tom Holland, in his review, describes it as "delightful."



Lucy Lethbridge has crafted a truly remarkable work of literature. Kathryn Hughes, writing for The Mail on Sunday, praises it as a "glorious romp."



In 1815, the Battle of Waterloo marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars, and the European continent once again became accessible to British tourists. The nineteenth century was a time characterized by steam technology, mass industrialization, and movement. Following in the footsteps of the Grand Tourists a century earlier, the British middle classes flocked to Europe to explore its sights.



In "Tourists," Lucy Lethbridge brings to life the voices of these travelers, capturing their bewilderment, shock, delight, and amazement. She delves into two centuries of tourist experiences, examining the discomfort of stagecoaches and the "self-contained pleasure palace" of beach resorts. Among a diverse cast of characters, we meet the influential figures of Victorian tourism, such as Albert Smith, Henry Gaze, and Thomas Cook, as well as their successor, Vladimir Raitz, the pioneer of modern beach holidays.



The growth of popular tourism introduced new markets for guidebooks, souvenirs, cuisine, and health cures. It bridged class differences but also exacerbated them. It both destroyed and preserved traditional cultures. From portable cameras to postcards and suntans, "Tourists" explores how tourism has reflected changing attitudes toward modernity and how, from grand hotels to campsites, foreign holidays expose deep fears, hopes, and even longings for home.



This captivating book offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and evolution of tourism, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the impact it has had on societies. Whether you are a traveler yourself or simply interested in cultural and social history, "Tourists" is a must-read that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next adventure.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408856291