Travels in the Steppes of the Caspian Sea, the Crimea, the Caucasus, &c.

"Travels in the Steppes of the Caspian Sea, the Crimea, the Caucasus, &c." by Xavier Hommaire de Hell is a non-fiction account of the author's mid-1800s travels through Southern Russia, blending scientific investigation with cultural observation. The book opens with the author's departure from Constantinople and subsequent arrival in Odessa, where he notes the town's diverse population and dynamics. The author reflects on his travels by Russian Steamer. As a civil engineer and society member, his narrative provides insights into the area's geology, geography, and the social landscape of a territory critical to Russia's historical evolution.