First impressions of the New World on two travellers from the Old, in the autumn of 1858

"First Impressions of the New World" by Isabella Strange Trotter is a captivating travel journal recording a journey through America in the autumn of 1858. The narrative unfolds through letters from a mother to her daughter, chronicling the duo's awe and occasional bewilderment as they contrast the New World with their European sensibilities. Kicking off in vibrant New York City, the travelers witness both the excitement of progress, like the transatlantic cable celebration, and the harsh realities of urban life, such as the destruction of quarantine buildings. The author masterfully interweaves personal reflections on family life with broader observations on American society, transportation, and the unique character of its citizens, laying the groundwork for further explorations across the United States and Canada, all viewed through a distinctly European lens.