Why read Thomas Jefferson's European Travel Diaries?

Book cover of Thomas Jefferson's European Travel Diaries

Book description

Jefferson's own account of his journey's through the countryside and wine regions of the continent in 1787 and 1788.

Explore

Topics

Genres

Travel

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Thomas Jefferson's European Travel Diaries as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Colin Duncan Taylor

Author

This book is based on notes made by Thomas Jefferson when he was US ambassador to France. For me, their highlight is his account of a journey south to examine the operation of the Canal du Midi which links Toulouse to the Mediterranean. Jefferson travelled down from Paris in his own carriage and when he reached the mouth of the canal near Agde he saw no reason to abandon it. He hired a barge to take him to Toulouse and loaded his carriage on deck.

During his eight-day journey, he recorded his impressions in notes and letters written while he…

From Colin's list on The best books about France through foreign eyes.