914. Books on geography and travel in Europe

Further Reading

James H. Billington The Icon and the Axe: An Interpretive History of Russian Culture, 1966.

Former Librarian of Congress James H. Billington takes you through Russian cultural and intellectual history covering over 600 years, from before the Romanovs to post-Stalin. He explores the Russian peoples’ art, music, literature, philosophy, and mythology.

Robert Macfarlane The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot, 2012.

Robert Macfarlane turns his keen eye and poetic voice to ancient paths and tracks on land and water through and around the British Isles. He shares the stories and rituals surrounding each to evoke another time and an appreciation of the present.

Rebecca West Black Lamb and Grey Falcon: A Journey Through Yugoslavia, 1941.

In the years just before World War II, English journalist and travel writer Rebecca West wrote this examination of Yugoslavia’s people, history, and politics. Her observations and commentary provide a great deal of insight into the tensions and later tragedies of the Balkans.

Edward Whymper Scrambles Amongst the Alps, 1871.

Englishman Edward Whymper documents the earliest days of mountaineering in which he spent nine years climbing the Alps. While he made quick work of most peaks, he unsuccessfully attempted to scale the Matterhorn seven times before succeeding on the eighth. But on descending, four of his companions died in falls, haunting Whymper for the rest of his life.

For more information on the Further Reading series, please see Further Reading: Start Here.