Book Reviews
Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts: Twelve Journeys into the Medieval World
Christopher de Hamel
For those interested in manuscripts and travel, Hamel’s book was one I could not put down for a week despite it being over 500 pages (I was even reading it on the stationary bike). Not only did Hamel’s humour and personal stories shine through, but also the drama of the history that followed each of the manuscripts he highlighted. Each chapter was a theatrical display of how to encounter a manuscript, how it made its way to its current home, and what secrets lay within its pages. As the cherry on top, I appreciated how many clear facsimiles of the manuscripts are included within this book to study late Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance art more closely. Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts is a spectacular book for those who wish to dive into the art history of manuscripts, and read about fascinating stories in history.
An Innocent in Scotland: More Curious Rambles and Single Encounters
David W. McFadden
A creative approach to a guidebook, McFadden takes readers along with him in his adventures as if you are in the passenger seat with him. From conversations with locals to mishaps with getting a hotel room for the night and then the successful encounters with natural wonders, McFadden’s book inspired me to be a bit more whimsical and spontaneous on my own trip to Scotland. His book serves as a reminder to study up on some local history and literature before you travel, but also to have fun along the way. If you wish to have some laughs and enjoy a Scottish adventure, pick up An Innocent in Scotland for your armchair reading.
You Deserve Good Gelato: Reasons to Travel the World, Embrace Failure, and Do the Sh*t that Scares You
Kacie’s memoir is not only a book about her experiences moving abroad, but a fun conversation with a friend; giving you advice before your next trip. As someone who has also lived in Italy for a period of time, Kacie’s writing resonated with my experiences, both the good and the awkward. Nevertheless, her experience is a great reminder for us readers to keep trying new things, and to get out of our comfort zone once in a while. Whether you want to be prepared for your next trip to Italy, or looking for a book to remind you of past memories, I suggest reading You Deserve Good Gelato.
Egyptian Mythology: A Traveller’s Guide from Aswan to Alexandria
To travel through history is one manner of exploring the world, but to travel via myths and legends is another level of adventure. In Shaw’s book on travelling through Egypt, he pairs his physical encounters with narrations of thrilling, humorous, and enchanting stories of ancient Egyptian mythology. Each chapter is framed by a personal account of a city, then the mythology of the area, and rounded out with suggestions of key places to visit. Shaw’s book is an innovative method of combining the Egyptomania many of us get looped into, along with an easy to follow “how to” guide of exploring different Egyptian cities. Whether it be for an enjoyable read on ancient Egypt’s myths, or what to keep a look out for on your next visit to Egypt, pick up Egyptian Mythology for a stimulating read.