Books to read before my trip
Oct 8th, 2012, 05:31 PM
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Books to read before my trip
I'm planning a trip for next summer with my best friend. We're both super excited of course and even though the trip is still months and months away, we're already planning and coming up with ideas for what to do and see.
I was hoping some of you could recommend some books I could read in preparation for my trips. I don't mean guide books, but rather history and/or travel books. I would like to learn a little something about the background and history of the places I'll be going, to give me a better understanding of everything I'll see while I'm there.
So, our plan so far is to spend about 5 days in Paris, 2-3 days in/around Nice, 4-5 days in Cinque Terre, and then about 3 days in Venice (the allotment of days might change slightly, this is just a rough plan). Then we'll be going to my family in Austria. Our family home is in Altmunster, which is a small town the Salzkammergut region. I've been to Austria many times as a child and young adult, but I haven't done much reading about the history of the area, and I'd like to learn more.
So if anyone could suggest some good books about any of these places (or even the general areas around them) I would be most grateful. I'm mainly looking for general history and information, but if you know of any good fiction relating to any of these destinations, don't hesitate!
Thanks!
I was hoping some of you could recommend some books I could read in preparation for my trips. I don't mean guide books, but rather history and/or travel books. I would like to learn a little something about the background and history of the places I'll be going, to give me a better understanding of everything I'll see while I'm there.
So, our plan so far is to spend about 5 days in Paris, 2-3 days in/around Nice, 4-5 days in Cinque Terre, and then about 3 days in Venice (the allotment of days might change slightly, this is just a rough plan). Then we'll be going to my family in Austria. Our family home is in Altmunster, which is a small town the Salzkammergut region. I've been to Austria many times as a child and young adult, but I haven't done much reading about the history of the area, and I'd like to learn more.
So if anyone could suggest some good books about any of these places (or even the general areas around them) I would be most grateful. I'm mainly looking for general history and information, but if you know of any good fiction relating to any of these destinations, don't hesitate!
Thanks!
Oct 8th, 2012, 05:54 PM
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As Venice goes, this one is a classic: http://www.amazon.com/The-World-Veni...=cm_lmf_tit_19
But it was originally written decades ago, and has been updated, which means that the original sights and atmosphere are more than a bit out of date - - but are still great. In fact, the out-of-date bits are most of the juciest, and fact is, you can still find these things in Venice, if you troll the outer periphery. As Venice reads go (beyond researching the picturesque art of 18th-Century Canaletto and its sensational/touristic aspects) this might be the best you'll get.
But it was originally written decades ago, and has been updated, which means that the original sights and atmosphere are more than a bit out of date - - but are still great. In fact, the out-of-date bits are most of the juciest, and fact is, you can still find these things in Venice, if you troll the outer periphery. As Venice reads go (beyond researching the picturesque art of 18th-Century Canaletto and its sensational/touristic aspects) this might be the best you'll get.
Oct 8th, 2012, 06:01 PM
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"Venice" by James Morris is a faovourite. "Venice" by Jan Morris is the updated version, written after Morris had gender re-assignment. Not a travel book, and has all sorts of minor details.
Or click on my user name, and you'll find a couple of really long (20,000 words) trip reports that I wrote about Venice. Some is fiction, some just ramblings from inside my head, but with a bit of factual stuff thrown in.
Or click on my user name, and you'll find a couple of really long (20,000 words) trip reports that I wrote about Venice. Some is fiction, some just ramblings from inside my head, but with a bit of factual stuff thrown in.
Oct 8th, 2012, 06:49 PM
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Hi!
Watch the "Sound of Music" and enjoy the scenery, it is a classic movie and captures the beauty of the region. I loved Peter Mayle's books on Provence, which captures much of the essence of western Italy/Amalfi, despite it is set in Provence, not Italy. The movie, starring Russell Crowe, based on Peter Mayle's books is excellent. Also, Frances Mayes' books on her home in Cortona, Italy are spectacular; don't watch the movie because it is completely different. Also, check out Stephen Ambrose's books on World War II - Citizens Soldiers; beautiful story on a the daily life of soldiers fighting in the European theater during the war. It is very "readable" history. Also, "Sarah's Key" is a fantastic book about WWII Paris - movie and book are both riveting and haunting. Check in your favorite book store with historical fiction titles; they are often fantastic stories filled with historically accurate facts.
Enjoy!
Julia
Watch the "Sound of Music" and enjoy the scenery, it is a classic movie and captures the beauty of the region. I loved Peter Mayle's books on Provence, which captures much of the essence of western Italy/Amalfi, despite it is set in Provence, not Italy. The movie, starring Russell Crowe, based on Peter Mayle's books is excellent. Also, Frances Mayes' books on her home in Cortona, Italy are spectacular; don't watch the movie because it is completely different. Also, check out Stephen Ambrose's books on World War II - Citizens Soldiers; beautiful story on a the daily life of soldiers fighting in the European theater during the war. It is very "readable" history. Also, "Sarah's Key" is a fantastic book about WWII Paris - movie and book are both riveting and haunting. Check in your favorite book store with historical fiction titles; they are often fantastic stories filled with historically accurate facts.
Enjoy!
Julia
Oct 9th, 2012, 02:53 AM
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If you haven't read 'le Petit Prince', I would definitely suggest this in terms of French culture. Short, creative, abstract, philosophical...a lot to think about, in the guise of a well-written 'children's book' every French person knows.
Oct 9th, 2012, 04:58 AM
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I enjoyed "The City of Falling Angels", which centres around the burning of La Fenice opera house in Venice. It's by the guy who wrote "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", if you've come across that.
Oct 9th, 2012, 05:11 AM
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Thanks everyone, for all the interesting suggestions! I'll have some fun reading and movie watching to do now
Peter, thanks very much for sharing your writings, I will definitely give them a read!
Juliae_mei: The Sound of Music is an old favorite of mine and I have read and enjoyed Peter Mayle's books! I didn't know there was a film based on them though, I'll have to look it up!
Peter, thanks very much for sharing your writings, I will definitely give them a read!
Juliae_mei: The Sound of Music is an old favorite of mine and I have read and enjoyed Peter Mayle's books! I didn't know there was a film based on them though, I'll have to look it up!
Oct 9th, 2012, 03:59 PM
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Ahiddenbird, there are many threads on this forum with suggestions for books about Paris and other parts of France.
I would suggest watching the old film SUMMERTIME set in Venice in the 50s – fabulous scenery with Katherine Hepburn. Directed by David Lean of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and RYAN’S DAUGHTER FAME.
I would suggest watching the old film SUMMERTIME set in Venice in the 50s – fabulous scenery with Katherine Hepburn. Directed by David Lean of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and RYAN’S DAUGHTER FAME.
Oct 9th, 2012, 04:15 PM
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Regarding France, Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser is excellent and discusses her Austrian family and roots, plus how she is quite unfairly treated by history.
I have read so many great books about Paris....look for John Baxter's books. The Most Beautiful Walk inthe World ; also Immovable Feast: A Paris Christmas. Both are great.
Wine and War:The French,The Nazis and the battle for France's Greatest treasure is also a great read...it's a wonder the French wine business survived WWII!
For humor, The Sweet Life in Paris by David Leibowitz is terrific! I also loved Lunch in Paris, a love stor with recipes by Elizabeth Bard.
If you want fiction set in Paris, Cara Black's books are great reads...I think Murder in the Marais is the first in the series.
I have read so many great books about Paris....look for John Baxter's books. The Most Beautiful Walk inthe World ; also Immovable Feast: A Paris Christmas. Both are great.
Wine and War:The French,The Nazis and the battle for France's Greatest treasure is also a great read...it's a wonder the French wine business survived WWII!
For humor, The Sweet Life in Paris by David Leibowitz is terrific! I also loved Lunch in Paris, a love stor with recipes by Elizabeth Bard.
If you want fiction set in Paris, Cara Black's books are great reads...I think Murder in the Marais is the first in the series.
Oct 9th, 2012, 05:00 PM
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Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland was a fun little peek at Paris. It's about the painting by Renoir.
The Judgment of Paris: The Revolutionary Decade That Gave the World Impressionism by Ross King.
If you're interested in art this was a really good book. Maybe if you aren't interested in art it would still be a good book.
The Judgment of Paris: The Revolutionary Decade That Gave the World Impressionism by Ross King.
If you're interested in art this was a really good book. Maybe if you aren't interested in art it would still be a good book.
Oct 9th, 2012, 05:30 PM
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Denisea, it looks like we have similar taste in books! I've read Marie Antoinette by Ms. Fraser twice already (obviously I really enjoyed it!) and I also own and enjoyed reading The Sweet Life in Paris
It seems like it would be a good idea to go with your other rec's too!
It seems like it would be a good idea to go with your other rec's too!
Oct 9th, 2012, 06:06 PM
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For Venice you may consider the novel Miss Garnet's Angel, by Sally Vickers.Miss Garnet is a 60ish London spinster, accustomed to a life of frugality. An unexpected inheritance leads her to decide to live in VEnice for 6 months. The richness of the city, its people & its history transform Miss Gasrnet's life. The novel is very visual, & it is very easy to find the various landmarks & historical sites. A magical place, made even more so by the storytelling. Enjoy your trip
Oct 10th, 2012, 04:20 AM
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Ahiddenbird....I am a voracious Paris related reader. And I just started on more books related to or set in Rome.
Here's one more humorous look at Paris - "Paris I Love You but Your Bringing me Down" by Rosencrans Baldwin!
I doubt I can remember them alll....thete was a great collection of essays tabout Paris that I read last year....can't remember the title!
Here's one more humorous look at Paris - "Paris I Love You but Your Bringing me Down" by Rosencrans Baldwin!
I doubt I can remember them alll....thete was a great collection of essays tabout Paris that I read last year....can't remember the title!
Oct 10th, 2012, 07:04 AM
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a good thread on books about Paris from last year
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-guidebook.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-guidebook.cfm
Oct 10th, 2012, 08:00 AM
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A most interesting book is The Way of the Tumbrils; by John Elliot.He wrotes about Paris and the main characters og the French Revolution.The book is so goob you can feel that things are occuring now; and a lot of places come to life; so as when you are walking there, you think "here lived Danton" or "here Robestpierre was imprisioned".Enjot your readings and your trip.
Oct 11th, 2012, 01:37 AM
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I enjoyed 'Parisiens' by Graham Robb. It is a series of stories and anecdotes of Paris from early days. Also John Baxter's books as previously mentioned, and 'Lunch in Paris'. I have just finished Jeremy Mercer's book [ he is a former Canadian journalist ] 'Books, Baguettes, and Bedbugs' about his experience living for several months at Shakespeare and Co bookshop.
I have to confess to scouring second hand and op-shops for any books about France and now have an extensive collection which I enjoy dipping into frequently. Some are older, but I have found some great books. I find reading these books sometimes gives a different perspective. I know I will enjoy a visit to Shakespeare and Co next time we visit Paris. DH is not addicted as I am, but enjoys the snippets I sometimes read to him.
Have a great trip.
I have to confess to scouring second hand and op-shops for any books about France and now have an extensive collection which I enjoy dipping into frequently. Some are older, but I have found some great books. I find reading these books sometimes gives a different perspective. I know I will enjoy a visit to Shakespeare and Co next time we visit Paris. DH is not addicted as I am, but enjoys the snippets I sometimes read to him.
Have a great trip.
