East by West, Vol. 1


Read by Ruth Golding

(4.8 stars; 20 reviews)

East by West: a Journey in the Recess is an account of British journalist Henry Lucy's travels across America and on to the Far East during the parliamentary recess in 1883.

Lucy was one of the most influential journalists of his day and, as "Toby M.P.", a noted humorist in Punch magazine. His acute powers of observation and light touch make this a most engaging book. It is a fascinating insight into the Englishman's travels abroad within two decades of the American Civil War and the end of Japanese isolationism.

This is the first of two volumes covering his journey with his wife. This first volume includes his travels in America and in Japan, including the Atlantic and Pacific crossings by steamer. Volume II, which is also available here as an audio recording, continues his experiences in Japan and India, returning home via Aden and the Suez Canal. (Introduction by Ruth Golding) (7 hr 52 min)

Chapters

01 - Chapter I: Off Sandy Hook 30:15 Read by Ruth Golding
02 - Chapter II: New York City 20:46 Read by Ruth Golding
03 - Chapter III: Some Western Towns 24:43 Read by Ruth Golding
04 - Chapter IV: Life and Death in the Far West 23:39 Read by Ruth Golding
05 - Chapter V: In the Rocky Mountains 18:22 Read by Ruth Golding
06 - Chapter VI: A Mining Camp in the Rocky Mountains 20:39 Read by Ruth Golding
07 - Chapter VII: The City of the Saints 23:39 Read by Ruth Golding
08 - Chapter VIII: The Mormon President at Home 13:34 Read by Ruth Golding
09 - Chapter IX: By the Golden Gate 26:19 Read by Ruth Golding
10 - Chapter X: The Labour Question 23:44 Read by Ruth Golding
11 - Chapter XI: On the Railway Cars 23:16 Read by Ruth Golding
12 - Chapter XII: The Heathen Chinee 29:48 Read by Ruth Golding
13 - Chapter XIII: Some Japanese Traits 32:21 Read by Ruth Golding
14 - Chapter XIV: Fete Day at Asakusa 25:16 Read by Ruth Golding
15 - Chapter XV: The Mikado's Birthday Fete 24:24 Read by Ruth Golding
16 - Chapter XVI: Across Country in Jinrikishas 36:36 Read by Ruth Golding
17 - Chapter XVII: The Tombs of the Shoguns 23:01 Read by Ruth Golding
18 - Chapter XVIII: Roadside and River 24:24 Read by Ruth Golding
19 - Chapter XIX: A Japanese Theatre 27:38 Read by Ruth Golding

Reviews

early America through a Englishman


(4 stars)

Good to listen to what America was like in late 1800's. As always enjoyed the great reading of Ruth Golding she adds to anything she reads. Thanks Ruth and Librivox. If you like early travel narratives worth a listen. Enjoy!

Excellent travel book


(4 stars)

Very well read by Ruth Golding. Some parts are quite funny and it's interesting to hear reflections on the US from the perspective of a Brit.


(5 stars)

I found this book very interesting and enjoyable. The section on Japan was especially entertaining.The reader is excellent! I am now going to listen to the next volume.


(4 stars)

Beautifully read by the best reader, I wish she would read ALL the books.

Very Interesting


(5 stars)

A fascinating insight into travel and life in 1883.