The Dodge Club; Or, Italy in MDCCCLIX

A lively band of friends—known as the Dodge Club—sets off on a grand Italian tour in 1859, their antics recorded with witty narration and a splash of illustration. From bustling Paris cafés to the dusty ruins of Pompeii, the group’s escapades blend slapstick mishaps, playful banter, and curious observations of foreign customs. Along the way, the ever‑resourceful Buttons, the philosophizing Senator, and the ever‑curious Dick provide a charming chorus of personalities that keep the journey breezy and unpredictable.

The novel captures the spirit of Victorian adventure travel, weaving together humorous episodes of misplaced passports, daring climbs up Vesuvius, and light‑hearted romances with local maidens. While the travelers clash with bandits, fumble through language lessons, and discover the quirks of Italian hospitality, the story remains a gentle satire of the era’s travelogues. Listeners will enjoy the vivid sketches of historic sites and the affectionate camaraderie that carries the Dodge Club through each comical turn.