Roumania Past and Present

"Roumania Past and Present" by James Samuelson is a comprehensive exploration of a country largely unknown to his English audience in the late 1800s. The story unfolds as a journey to understand Roumania's place in the world, highlighting its geography, economy, society, and historical significance. Starting with anecdotes revealing the widespread ignorance about Roumania among Englishmen, Samuelson sets out to correct these misconceptions by traveling the country and diving into its past. He reveals a critical, comprehensive view of the land, addressing the struggles of its peasantry, the urgent reforms needed in land ownership, and the geopolitical importance of the Danube River's navigation, all of which paint a picture of a nation at a pivotal moment in European history.