Nights: Rome, Venice, in the Aesthetic Eighties; London, Paris, in the Fighting Nineties

"Nights: Rome, Venice, in the Aesthetic Eighties; London, Paris, in the Fighting Nineties" by Elizabeth Robins Pennell is a reflective memoir that whisks readers away to late 19th-century Europe, seen through the eyes of an ambitious artist and writer. The author recounts her adventures and cultural exploration across iconic cities like Rome and Venice, detailing her experiences with her husband, J., as they strive to establish themselves in the art world with limited funds and plenty of determination. The memoir paints a vivid picture of their early struggles, from comical encounters with local authorities over tricycle antics, to the confusion of navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods, all while surrounded by the burgeoning art scenes and cultural shifts that define their evolving journey, revealing their unwavering commitment to beauty and art amidst the challenges of a vibrant era.