A Year's Journey through France and Part of Spain, Volume 1 (1777)

"A Year's Journey through France and Part of Spain, Volume 1" by Philip Thicknesse is a captivating late 1700s travelogue where the author explores France and Spain, keenly observing the cultures and places encountered during their journey. The author shares personal stories and thoughtful comments on how French and English ways differ. Starting in Calais, the narrative provides insight into traveler-local dynamics and sets a course for balanced observations drawn from past adventures. Criticizing other travel writers for going too far with praise or blame, the writer aims to offer a fair view. Through letters to a companion, humorous anecdotes about the peculiarities of French society, helpful travel advice, and personal family and health anecdotes, the letters construct a setting for subsequent experiences.