Cyprus: Historical and Descriptive

A careful, on‑the‑ground survey of Cyprus, this work blends vivid travel narrative with practical information that was in high demand when the island first entered the British sphere. Drawing on the original German journey of Franz von Löher and enriched with extensive additions by a diligent collaborator, the author paints a clear picture of the island’s climate, fertile soils, and natural beauty while also probing the everyday lives and occupations of its inhabitants. The text balances romantic impressions of ancient ruins with sober assessments of the island’s resources, offering listeners a grounded view of a land at the crossroads of history and modern ambition.

The opening chapters transport the ear to the bustling harbour of Larnaka, where the vast blue expanse of sea and sky frames a modest town set against rugged hills and distant mountains. Through straightforward, unpretentious prose, the narrator describes the arrival, the welcoming consular presence, and the lively streets that hint at a culture both rooted in antiquity and adapting to new influences. Supplemented by two detailed maps and an informative appendix, the book provides a comprehensive snapshot of Cyprus as it stood in the late nineteenth century.