Well Met! Friends and Travelling Companions of Rev. Thomas Bowles: Journals of Travels in Egypt, Petra and the Near East, 1854

During his two-year grand tour, Rev. Thomas Bowles kept a daily journal that filled over 1000 pages in 3 volumes, documenting his journey from Sri Lanka to Egypt and the Levant. The journals cover his experiences on the Long Desert Route, where he met and traveled with a diverse group of people, including travelers, tourists, soldiers, businessmen, administrators, and clergymen. The journals are accompanied by chapters that provide additional context and illustrations, including biographical notes on his companions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

Throughout his two-year grand tour spanning Australia and New Zealand (1852-4), Rev. Thomas Bowles diligently maintained a daily journal, ultimately spanning over 1000 pages across three volumes. Presented here is a transcription of the portion of his journals that chronicled his journey from Sri Lanka to Egypt and the Levant, followed by his return home.

The aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 sparked a growing fascination among Westerners with Egypt and the "Holy Land." Egypt boasted awe-inspiring ancient remnants, while its balmy winter climate beckoned exploration. In the Levant, the immense ruins of Graeco-Roman civilization drew attention. Then, in 1812, Burckhardt's rediscovery of Petra ignited a travel pattern for Westerners. This itinerary typically included one or more of several months of sailing down the Nile, the approximately 40-day Long Desert Route from Cairo to Petra and Jerusalem, exploration of the Decapolis cities beyond the Jordan, and a daring expedition across the desert to Palmyra. Each of these endeavors was challenging, and a significant minority of travelers, including some women, faced illness or injuries, with a few even succumbing to their journeys. Many travelers kept detailed notes or extensive journals, and some even dispatched letters home. While some of these accounts were eventually published, they invariably underwent sanitization. In recent years, a multitude of unpublished accounts, including two Travel Journals of the Rev. Thomas Bowles, have surfaced.

In 1854, Bowles embarked on the demanding Long Desert Route. His journal meticulously records the places he visited and the arduous travel conditions he encountered. Beyond that, he had the privilege of meeting and traveling with a diverse array of individuals, representing a remarkable cross-section of often captivating people. These included travelers, tourists, soldiers, businessmen, administrators, and numerous clergymen, predominantly from the United Kingdom and the United States, with a majority being young—Bowles was 32—and a handful of companions.

The journals offer a captivating glimpse into the lives and experiences of these travelers, shedding light on their diverse backgrounds, motivations, and adventures. They provide a unique perspective on the historical and cultural landscapes they traversed, from the bustling cities of Cairo and Jerusalem to the remote ruins of Petra and the rugged beauty of the desert. The journals also showcase the challenges and hardships faced by the travelers, from the scorching heat of the desert to the treacherous terrain and the unpredictable weather conditions.

Despite the challenges, the journals reveal the resilience and determination of the travelers, who pushed themselves to the limit in pursuit of their dreams and exploration. They forged connections with people from different cultures and backgrounds, exchanged stories and experiences, and left a lasting impact on the places they visited.

In conclusion, the Travel Journals of the Rev. Thomas Bowles provide a valuable insight into the world of 19th-century exploration and travel. Through his meticulous documentation and captivating storytelling, Bowles transports readers to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the lives and adventures of the early explorers and the rich cultural heritage they encountered. These journals are a testament to the human spirit's thirst for knowledge, exploration, and adventure, and their enduring legacy continues to inspire and captivate us to this day.

Weight: 209g
Dimension: 173 x 244 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803274836