Old Roads and New Roads

A playful, rambling guide invites listeners to trade the rush of railway timetables for the leisurely charm of ancient thoroughfares. Written in a richly humorous Victorian voice, the narrator weaves anecdotes about historic travelers—Mæcenas, Montaigne, and St. Bernard—who chose winding routes for the pleasure of scenery, conversation, and contemplation. The prose is peppered with witty Latin quips, lively dialogues, and colourful descriptions of inns, taverns, and forgotten pathways that once linked kingdoms across Britain and beyond.

The work is less a strict itinerary than a celebration of the journey itself, urging the audience to linger beside long‑lost stoneways, imagine the footsteps of mythic figures, and savor the occasional ale at a roadside tavern. Its serpentine structure mirrors the very roads it praises, offering a gentle, meandering experience that rewards curiosity and a willingness to wander at one’s own pace. Listeners will find both education and entertainment in this whimsical tribute to old‑world travel.