Overview

On Horseback by Charles Dudley Warner is a travel narrative that provides a detailed account of the author's journey through the Southern United States, specifically the Appalachian Mountains, during the 1880s. The book vividly describes the natural beauty and rugged terrain of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, emphasizing the challenges and adventures of traveling on horseback in these regions. Warner's exploration of the Appalachian Mountains highlights the region's swift rivers, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. His observations of frontier life reveal the resilience and ingenuity of the local people, who live in remote areas with limited infrastructure. The absence of bridges and the necessity of fording rivers frequently is a recurring theme, illustrating the difficulties of travel and transportation in the post-Civil War South. The book also offers cultural observations, with Warner's characteristic humor and insight, portraying the customs, hospitality, and daily life of the inhabitants. His reflections provide a snapshot of the socio-economic conditions of the time, capturing the essence of the Southern United States during this period. Overall, On Horseback is a blend of travelogue, cultural commentary, and historical reflection.

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9789364281874

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Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900) was an American essayist, novelist, and editor known for his wit and insightful social commentary. He was born in Plainfield, Massachusetts, and graduated from Hamilton College in 1851 before studying law at the University of Pennsylvania. Warner practiced law briefly but soon turned to journalism and writing, where he found his true calling. Some of his notable works include: My Summer in a Garden (1870): A humorous and reflective account of his experiences gardening, which also includes commentary on various social issues. Backlog Studies (1872): A collection of essays reflecting on everyday life. On Horseback (1888): A travel narrative of his journey through the Southern United States. Warner was also a prominent editor, serving as the co-editor of the Hartford Courant and later contributing to and editing the American Men of Letters series and Library of the World's Best Literature. At the time of his death, he was working on a biography of his friend, the artist Frederic Edwin Church. Warner's writing is characterized by its humor, insight, and elegant prose, and he remains an important figure in 19th-century American literature.

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