
A meticulously kept journal follows a mid‑19th‑century traveler as he embarks on a steam‑powered crossing from Liverpool to New York. The daily entries blend practical details—departure times, weather, ship’s speed, and the regimented schedule of meals and prayers—with vivid observations of the diverse passengers, their songs, and the rhythm of life on board a pioneering vessel. Through his candid notes, listeners hear the creak of the hull, the chatter of deck conversations, and the author’s personal resolve to balance reading, writing, and walking each day.
Beyond the mechanics of the voyage, the narrative offers a window into the era’s attitudes toward health, faith, and the growing ties between Britain and America. The writer’s respectful curiosity about his transatlantic “brethren” and his reflections on the comforts and challenges of steam travel create an intimate portrait of a historic journey. Listeners will feel as if they are sharing the same cabin, experiencing the sea’s moods and the hopeful anticipation of a new world on the horizon.
Full title
Journal of a Voyage across the Atlantic With Notes on Canada & the United States, and Return to Great Britain in 1844
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (122K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Karen Dalrymple and PG Distributed Proofreaders
Release date
2004-08-03
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1852–1933
An Irish novelist, critic, and memoirist who helped bring realism and naturalism into English-language fiction, he wrote with unusual frankness about art, religion, and social life. His books move between Paris, London, and Ireland, blending sharp observation with a deeply personal voice.
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