
A wandering narrator sets off for Portugal, drawn by the country’s sun‑kissed coasts, rolling hills and a history that feels like a tapestry woven from countless peoples. The prose swims between affectionate admiration for the warm, hospitable locals and a tongue‑in‑cheek analysis of their habit of grandiloquent self‑praise. Along the way, the writer sketches vivid scenes of quiet villages, bustling markets and the subtle blend of Iberian, Moorish and other influences that colour the nation’s character.
The journey becomes a light‑hearted exploration of everyday life, from the calm rhythm of farmers on their donkeys to the modest charm of roadside inns that defy any notion of squalor. With a wry eye for the occasional boastful exaggeration, the author reveals how Portugal balances pride in its noble past with a down‑to‑earth generosity. Listeners will find a portrait that is both scholarly and playful, inviting them to experience the country’s landscapes and people through an observant, witty guide.
Full title
In Portugal De Aarde en haar Volken, 1908
Language
nl
Duration
~4 hours (245K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/
Release date
2007-06-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
b. 1865
A French novelist and dramatist whose work moved between light social satire, historical themes, and popular fiction, he published steadily from the late 1890s into the 1920s. His books include collaborations with Henry de Gorsse as well as novels such as Le Rubis de Lapérouse and Hirondelle de Savoie.
View all booksb. 1869
Best known for travel writing that wandered through Portugal, the Netherlands, southern Italy, and the Pyrenees, this French author also spent his professional life in public service. His books have the feel of an observant traveler sharing places, customs, and atmosphere with a curious reader.
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