Portraits of places

A series of lyrical sketches, this collection gathers the author’s early travel essays—originally printed in the Century, Atlantic Monthly, and other periodicals—into a single volume. He moves from the bustling streets of Boston and New York to the resort towns of Saratoga and Newport, then onward to the historic sites of Quebec, Niagara and, most memorably, Venice. Each portrait captures a moment in time, offering keen observations of architecture, atmosphere and the subtle ways a place shapes its visitors.

In the Venice essay, the writer reflects on the city’s endless familiarity, its well‑trodden canals and the paradox of a place that feels both exhausted and ever‑renewing. He intertwines personal reverence with a gentle critique of contemporary commentary, especially the work of Ruskin, while still celebrating the enduring charm of the lagoon. The result is a thoughtful, intimate guide that invites listeners to wander through memory and history alike.