Accompanied by her husband Teddy and a small group of companions, Wharton set off in a custom-built 1904 Panhard, one of the most advanced motorcars of its time. With a driver at the wheel, she was free to focus on the pleasures of the journey: the texture of the landscapes, the character of remote towns, and above all, the magnificence of French architecture. Her detailed observations of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance churches and cathedrals form the heart of the book. From Chartres to Burgundy, from Normandy to Provence, Wharton’s trained eye captures the spirit and splendor of centuries-old structures that might otherwise be overlooked in modern travel.
Written in her trademark elegant prose, the narrative reflects not just Wharton’s appreciation for France’s aesthetic heritage but also her incisive cultural commentary. She laments the encroachment of modernity even as she embraces the automobile’s power to uncover hidden corners of the French countryside. Her reflections remain as engaging today as they were over a century ago—equal parts insightful, witty, and wistful.
This edition features an introduction by Lavinia Spalding, acclaimed travel writer and editor of the Best Women’s Travel Writing series. Spalding places Wharton’s journey in historical context and underscores its significance as one of the earliest examples of female-authored road literature.
A Motor Flight through France is more than a travelogue—it’s a testament to curiosity, elegance, and the enduring romance of the road.
Accompanied by her husband Teddy and a small group of companions, Wharton set off in a custom-built 1904 Panhard, one of the most advanced motorcars of its time. With a driver at the wheel, she was free to focus on the pleasures of the journey: the texture of the landscapes, the character of remote towns, and above all, the magnificence of French architecture. Her detailed observations of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance churches and cathedrals form the heart of the book. From Chartres to Burgundy, from Normandy to Provence, Wharton’s trained eye captures the spirit and splendor of centuries-old structures that might otherwise be overlooked in modern travel.
Written in her trademark elegant prose, the narrative reflects not just Wharton’s appreciation for France’s aesthetic heritage but also her incisive cultural commentary. She laments the encroachment of modernity even as she embraces the automobile’s power to uncover hidden corners of the French countryside. Her reflections remain as engaging today as they were over a century ago—equal parts insightful, witty, and wistful.
This edition features an introduction by Lavinia Spalding, acclaimed travel writer and editor of the Best Women’s Travel Writing series. Spalding places Wharton’s journey in historical context and underscores its significance as one of the earliest examples of female-authored road literature.
A Motor Flight through France is more than a travelogue—it’s a testament to curiosity, elegance, and the enduring romance of the road.
A Motor Flight Through France
A Motor Flight Through France
Audio MP3 on CD(MP3 on CD)
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9798228569683 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Blackstone Publishing |
| Publication date: | 05/27/2025 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.30(w) x 7.50(h) x (d) |
| Age Range: | 18 Years |
