Coming down the Seine
by Robert Gibbings
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Description
One of the Europe's most celebrated rivers, the Seine stretches from the fertile plains of Burgundy to the English Channel at Le Havre. Starting at its source near Dijon, writer and engraver Robert Gibbings follows the river's 400-mile course as it develops from a tranquil stream into the mighty waterway that links Rouen to the sea. The journey takes different forms: on foot, in a tiny boat 'hardly more than a coracle', on a barge, and on a boat used for transporting books. Throughout this show more leisurely voyage during one summer Gibbings records his impressions, visual and verbal, of places and people as well as explaining how the river has played a vital role in French history. In part an evocation of the Seine's changing landscapes and rural beauty, this is also an account of towns and cities-Troyes, Rouen, Paris-and their relationship with the river. Looking at writers and painters as well as historic figures who have left their mark on the Seine, Gibbings presents an affectionate picture of this great river and the people who live and work on its banks. Discussing the vineyards of Champagne, the paintings of Sisley and Utrillo, the rituals of Parisian cafe life, the author conveys a show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Firstly – not the author or even his amazing woodcuts, nor the glory of the, river but the edition. Lost and Found Series – part of the Interlink publishing house – are nicely produced books of Classic Travel Writing, “old and new” they state but it seems the older classic offer the best potential. Next – the book. Well bound and printed with decent font size so easy to read … but then the illustrations! Gorgeous woodcut blocks that totally support the text and seamlessly blend with the masterly style of this writer, an artist indeed.
Gibbings studied at the Slade and went on to become a Master Printer, engraver, publisher and artist and only came to authorship relatively late in his career. Eventually he produced a series show more of river-trip works, all illustrated with his own art, in wood-block format. So, having enjoyed this wonderful tale of a trip on the river Seine, this reader is already anticipating a further four of five more similar travels. And they can not arrive soon enough!
I hated to finish this book, the author has a “voice” that beguiles, charms, is full of the Celtic lilt of the Irish, and – very much – amuses. One chapter (18) is of those wonderful yarns of the Come here ‘till I tell ye type. But most are lyric descriptions of landscape or history, nature or just “Toad’-like messing about in boats.
A charming book that will entrap any reader who loves France, travel, boats, river, history or just charming, engaging and well-crafted tales. show less
Gibbings studied at the Slade and went on to become a Master Printer, engraver, publisher and artist and only came to authorship relatively late in his career. Eventually he produced a series show more of river-trip works, all illustrated with his own art, in wood-block format. So, having enjoyed this wonderful tale of a trip on the river Seine, this reader is already anticipating a further four of five more similar travels. And they can not arrive soon enough!
I hated to finish this book, the author has a “voice” that beguiles, charms, is full of the Celtic lilt of the Irish, and – very much – amuses. One chapter (18) is of those wonderful yarns of the Come here ‘till I tell ye type. But most are lyric descriptions of landscape or history, nature or just “Toad’-like messing about in boats.
A charming book that will entrap any reader who loves France, travel, boats, river, history or just charming, engaging and well-crafted tales. show less
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As in his previous books, there's a bit of art, history, literature, to fit in with his water course and here he has cathedrals, chateaux, prehistoric sights, artistis; lives and settings, to catch his interest; there are bridges, canals and locks along the way; and there are branches and tributaries to investigate. As always there is the secret world of the water and its banks and there is show more Paris too as his destination before he goes on to the tidal waters. A leisurely, informative and imaginative book to which the author's wood engravings add their charm. show less
added by John_Vaughan
Author Information
24+ Works 646 Members
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1953
Classifications
- Genres
- Travel, Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 914.4 — History & geography Geography & travel Geography of and travel in Europe France and Monaco
- LCC
- DC611 .S461 .G5 — History of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania France – Andorra – Monaco History of France Local history and description Regions, provinces, departments, etc., A-Z
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 68
- Popularity
- 457,790
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (4.56)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 6
- ASINs
- 9
