The Danube

Set against the backdrop of early twentieth‑century travel, this volume follows a seasoned explorer as he traces the Danube from its Bavarian origins to the dramatic Iron Gate at the edge of the Balkans. The author contrasts the river’s growing popularity with that of the Rhine, recalling the grand tours of a bygone era while inviting modern readers to discover the Danube’s richer variety of landscapes and histories. Along the way, castles perched on craggy cliffs, sleepy villages, and bustling towns are described with a blend of scholarly observation and personal affection.

Accompanied by thirty finely crafted illustrations, including twelve vivid colour plates, the book brings the river’s scenery to life. Readers can picture steamers gliding past the Wachau vineyards, the towering Böhmer Wald, and the narrow Kazan defile that separates Hungary from Serbia. The narrative balances factual notes on the river’s role in European history with the romance of traveling its banks, offering a vivid portrait that still feels fresh for today’s listeners.