Old Calabria

"Old Calabria" by Norman Douglas is primarily a travelogue, chronicling the author's journeys through the Calabria region of southern Italy in the early 1900s. The book blends personal reflection with historical anecdotes, detailing Douglas’s experiences as he moves through towns filled with ancient ruins, folklore, and remnants of past civilizations. The book expresses Douglas’s deep affection for the area and its unique cultural identity, showcasing the many influences from cultures like the Saracens and Normans. Describing towns by noting their mix of charm and disrepair, Douglas captures the essence of local life through observations of architecture, public spaces, and the behaviors of the people. Historical accounts, sometimes of questionable accuracy, surface through interactions with local characters, and Douglas juxtaposes the beauty of the landscape with the region's complex and turbulent past.