Travels in the Steppes of the Caspian Sea, the Crimea, the Caucasus, &c.

A determined civil engineer sets out from the bustling streets of Constantinople, drawn to the mysteries of the Crimean Peninsula and the vast steppes stretching to the Caspian Sea. His aim is scientific—unraveling the geology of the region and the long‑standing question of the Bosphorus rupture—yet the expedition quickly expands into a broader exploration of the lands between the Danube and the Caucasus. Traveling on foot and horseback, he records the contours of rivers, the texture of the steppe, and the shifting horizons seen from a steamship’s deck.

Beyond the rocks and rivers, the narrative captures the everyday life of the peoples who inhabit these remote territories. With the support of Russian officials and the companionship of his wife, the author weaves together observations of customs, trade, and the social fabric of Southern Russia, offering a candid view that balances scientific rigor with cultural insight. Listeners will be drawn into a vivid portrait of a region at once rugged and richly human, as seen through the eyes of a meticulous observer.