Suggested Reading For Travel
 

I'm backpacking across Western Europe (Britain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands) for the first time in May and June of next year. Can anyone suggest any important overview books relating to key facts or the history of Western Europe I could read before I visit?

Also, I don't know much about art (even though I'm a gay guy) - any suggestions for an overview on art?

Thanks much,

Toby

hi,
i don't know about a good history overview, but i LOVE art history-there isn't really a book thats a "cliff's notes" on art : ) but the closest thing too it is a book called "the art book" its a small (and cheap) paperback book that basically goes a-z covering the most famous artists with examples of their work etc-very portable. For a more comprehensive guide Gardner writes books (used as textbooks a lot) called art through the ages-those are great books, but expensive and lengthy-but if you'd want to flip through it in a library or Barnes and Noble, it's a good art overview-Enjoy your trip!

Some of my friends with doctorates in art history will cringe (and others will agree). A most concise yet thorough course would be Sister Wendy - The Complete Collection (Story of Painting/Grand Tour/Odyssey/Pains of Glass), available on DVD or VHS (the DVDs have some good special features). The companion text also gives a good foundation. Also, Janson's "History of Art" covers certain periods of Western Art thoroughly.

Also, Rick Steves’ “Mona Winks” is a very readable introduction to collections in Western Europe (but doesn’t provide much depth).

the art book makes me cringe as well : ) but gardner's books are similar to Janson's (i just like them better) if someone is new to art though, they can be a little too much (hence my suggestion of the art book)

The Lonely Planet guides have good overviews of countries' history and culture, and some info on art. I always include them in my trip research.

I guess for all the places you are going you could just try the general Europe volume. Maybe a bit bulky --
If you don't mind doing it, you can tear out the sections you want and take 'em along -- then leave in the hotel/hostel for the next traveler.

I bought and read various books in a series called "A Traveler's History of...." England, Spain, France, Italy, etc. For some reason they didn't have one on Germany, so my sister (and traveling companion) and I brought a couple of short histories. The one on Spain was boring and waaaay too detailed, but the other ones were interesting enough.

We have used "Mona Winks," and I found it useful as a brief overview of whatever work we're looking at--to put the work into a historical and artistic context. It's portable enough that you can take it with you into a museum and read about specific works you're seeing.

Hi Rock,

Something I like to do and I am not sure how long you are going but I like to ask (on here even) what author is current and popular at them moment. Just a suggestion. I started doing this when seeing it listed in travel guides.
I discovered Henrik Bolle (sp) years ago this way. Just asked some Germans who was popular across the country with people my age.

Lonely planet does it on their website.


You could ask natives on here?
Gives you a feel of what is current in the society.

One wonderful book I have is
Art for Travellers (sic) Italy
by Morrow and Power. Amazon has it.

Check out Rick Steves' "Europe 101". It may be just what you want.

Hi Toby,

Fodors Guides
Michelin Green Guides,
Frommers Guides

>I don't know much about art (even though I'm a gay guy)....<

Is there something about being gay that is supposed to make a person an art expert? :) :)

((I))

Thanks for all your responses ... You have helped more than you may know ... I'm so excited about the research and the trip itself :-) I've waited a long time for this.

Ira, I was feeding off the stereotype that gay men are generally more cultured in areas such as art, as compared to other groups of people :-)

Even if there were a book "Everything you need to know about the history, culture and geography of Western Europe and what it means" I doubt you'd want to read it! Same with art.

So the best way to narrow it down is to ask, well, what do YOU like? What are you, generally, interested in?

What made you choose these countries?
Are you drawn to the World War II-era? The Swingin' 60's? Ancient pagan sites? Your screen name is rocklit -- does that indicate interest in geology and literature? When you go to a new city, what's the first thing you look for, to make it feel like home -- a bar? a library? a bakery? You can do the same there. Heck, you could do an amazing Beer & Chocolate Tour of these areas ... Hmmmm ....

In London, to start you off, I love the Imperial War Museum. Not just because it's amazing, but because the building used to be the mental hospital that gave us the word "bedlam." But I also think you'd like the Tate Modern, even if not all the art is to your taste, because the building is fascinating, and the restaurants and even snack shop all have amazing views! The British Museum and Victoria and Albert are cool too, but it all depends on what you're drawn to. If you can articulate what you like, people here can tell you other similar things you might like.

Novels are often good ways to learn about places -- even if the subject matter is sometimes silly, the characters often traipse around the city, giving you a glimpse into the various areas, the foods people eat, the sights etc.
I believe you said in a previous post that you were a student. Go to the library or textbook shop and browse some art history texts. Then go to the history and literature departments (skip the fat textbooks) and see which of the more specialized books appeal to you. You don't need to read them cover to cover -- just get a sense of them.

If you enjoy goofy stuff (and who doesn't!) There are also some fun books in the Weird series: I think there's Weird Britain, Weird Italy, etc. which are good reading even if you don't go see those particular sights.

Are you familiar with some of the guides for gay travellers? They may help you find places where you're safe and comfortable to eat, stay and enjoy life. Or places to avoid.

You sound like someone who wants to be a giant sponge and suck up all the strange and wonderful experiences you can, shedding the familiar. But the familiar can be a good starting point. Then branch off from there.

Sometimes in forums like these, there's a danger of planning everything too thoroughly and too seriously. There's a great word all travelers should know: serendipity -- finding unsought treasures in happy accidents. You might well have a better day searching for some record shop you heard about in Brugges (and wandering though real neighborhods, eating at a neat coffee shop, playing with the dog at the bus stop) than a famous museum you're only seeing because you feel like you should.

Have fun planning, and a great trip!

One book that I found very entertaining was Luigi Barzini's "Europeans". Barzini analyzes the national character/personality of the major European countries, and his observations are very interesting. It may give you some perspective on the people you may encounter in your travels!

I would heartily recommend Jacques Barzun's "From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life 1500 to the Present." It's extremely comprehensive and yet quite readable.

Oops! Underhill beat me to it.

There's also Barbara Tuckman's A Distant Mirror.

I often recommend the free European Planning & Rail Guide - a 48-page magazine that, not glitzy at all, contains a wealth of info for novice and even veteran travelers - geared somewhat towards rail - rail maps, sample fares, travel times, suggested itineraries, etc. but also packing tips, using electrical stuff, customs, etc. Free from BETS (800-441-2387).

Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone ... I'm researching all your suggestions and determining which to choose for my trip ...

Bluehour, you're totally right. I need to be more focused on what it is I want to experience. Relating to gay issues, I'm not concerned with being unsafe since I don't act or seem gay; however, I have researched which gay bars to go to :-) In relation to my focus, I'm majoring in political science, so anything relating to politics or the history of political systems intrigues me. The main reason I want to visit Western Europe relates to its social progression. I'm often depressed by the conservative movement and moral majority here in the US, so I'm looking for an outlet, such as new and uplifting experiences which I think some of the countries I'm visiting will provide.

In regards to art or architecture, I just don't want to not know what I'm seeing, you know? For instance, on the Travel Channel's Passport to Europe, in which I've recorded all the episodes :-), the guide/host, Samantha, notes when she sees certain types of architecture, such as the Roman influence. I would have no idea unless I familiarize myself with the basic points of art and architecture.

I love that you point out "happy accidents." This will be my ultimate goal throughout the six weeks. I've never experienced another culture or country. Essentially, I want to feel as if I'm a part of each culture ... something different. God, I can't wait :-)

Also try "Paris 1919," which delves into the working of the so-called peace conference following World War I. Excellent reading for background on later events and the main players of the day.

Hi Rock,

Best overview guide to Architecture is Bannister Fletcher's History of Architecture. It's expensive unless you can find a used copy online. Or check it out of the library! You'll have to read it beforehand because it's a couple thousand pages but it's authoritative! Just carry it around your city if you want to meet architects! : D )))

kakalena

I'm really glad you're finding my advice helpful! Or at least enjoyable.
(And I think we're supposed to "keep schtum" on the olitics-pay, but may i say -- right on, my young friend! You will find many a sympathetic ear over there!)

Architecture-wise, you can have a lot of fun in Paris, Belgium and parts of some of the other countries looking at the Art Nouveau stuff. There's an interesting thread on this board "art deco museum in Paris" that has some suggestions. Art nouveau has some interesting sociopolitical tentacles too, and some cool people to read about. And it's just fun to look at, I think.

Underhill -- your post just reminded me of a quote I once read in a book about the jewelry firm Cartier, referring to "that drunk with victory, torn by regret, deafened by jazz summer of 1919".

Now that's good writing! Wish I could remember who said it.