Roundabout to Moscow: An Epicurean Journey

"Roundabout to Moscow: An Epicurean Journey" by John Bell Bouton is a travel story from the 1800s that follows the author's adventures across Europe leading to Russia, sharing what he sees and learns along the way. Bouton writes about his time traveling around the world, especially how English tourists often misunderstand Russia. He begins by talking about the fancy train ride from Paris to Nice, describing the fancy train and nice service. As he travels, he thinks about how different his fancy travel is from the real lives of the people he meets. Bouton points out that many English people have wrong ideas about Russia, and he wants to show the country more honestly through his own eyes and experiences as an American traveler. The beginning gives a peek into Bouton's larger trip and thoughts, asking readers to question what they think they know.