Notes on a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo
by William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–1863)
- Free to read
- 4 hours to read
- 16 chapters
- Reading level: 10th to 12th grade
"Notes on a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a travel narrative written during the mid-19th century. This engaging work chronicles the author's journey through various Mediterranean cities, including Malaga, Athens, and Cairo, exploring both the sights and experiences that accompany his travels. With a humorous and satirical tone, Thackeray provides insights into the cultures and societies he encounters, while also peppering his observations with personal reflections and anecdotes. At the start of the narrative, the writer introduces himself and sets the stage for an unexpected expedition following an invitation to join a Mediterranean cruise. The opening scenes depict lively encounters among fellow passengers aboard the ship "Lady Mary Wood," showcasing a range of colorful characters from a kind-hearted captain to a good-natured lieutenant in charge of the mail. As the author grapples with seasickness and navigates his new surroundings, he shares poetic musings on the beauty of nature and the contrasting mundanity of city life, all while maintaining a witty and observant wit that invites readers along for the ride.
- Middle East · Description and travel
- Thackeray, William Makepeace, 1811-1863 · Travel · Middle East
- Europe, Southern · Description and travel
- Middle East · In art
Read the opening
Chapter I: Vigo
The sun brought all the sick people out of their berths this morning, and the indescribable moans and noises which had been issuing from behind the fine painted doors on each side of the cabin happily ceased. Long before sunrise, I had the good fortune to discover that it was no longer necessary to maintain the horizontal posture, and, the very instant this truth was apparent, came on deck, at two o’clock in the morning, to see a noble full moon sinking westward, and millions of the most brilliant stars shining overhead. The night was so serenely pure, that you saw them in magnificent airy perspective; the blue sky around and over them, and other more distant orbs sparkling above, till they glittered away faintly into the immeasurable distance. The ship went rolling over a heavy, sweltering, calm sea. The breeze was a warm and soft one; quite different to the rigid air we had left behind us, two days since, off the Isle of Wight. The bell kept tolling its half-hours, and the mate explained the mystery of watch and dog-watch.
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About this edition
This free edition of Notes on a Journey from Cornhill to Grand Cairo by William Makepeace Thackeray comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #1863, released 1999-08-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Humour, Travel Writing, British Literature.
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