Synopses & Reviews
First published in 1825 and based on his diaries, this detailed two-volume account by Alexander Caldcleugh (1795-1858) of his experiences in Brazil, Buenos Aires, and Chile portrays a diverse and changing continent. London-born Caldcleugh was posted to South America in 1819 as private secretary to the British minister at the Portuguese royal court (based in Brazil 1808-21). Following that two-year mission, he returned to South America in 1829 and remained there until his death. Caldcleugh's book appealed to the avid interest of European readers in the 'New World'. It was well-received upon publication and in 1826 was translated into German. With its close attention to geography, geology, politics, economics, culture and society, and its descriptions of agriculture, gold mines and an adventurous crossing of the Andes, the book is at once a fine example of the nineteenth-century travel narrative and a document of colonial attitudes.
Synopsis
First published in 1825, this book by a British diplomat portrays a diverse and changing continent in vivid detail.
Synopsis
First published in 1825, this account, by a British diplomat posted to Brazil, describes the geography, politics, trade, and peoples of a continent undergoing rapid change. Volume 1 focuses on agriculture and everyday life, and records Caldcleugh's impressions of the province of Buenos Aires and of Chile.
Synopsis
First published in 1825, this account by a British diplomat portrays a diverse and changing continent. With its sharp detail and well-constructed anecdotes it is a fine example of nineteenth-century travel narrative. It focuses on natural resources, notably agriculture and mining, and describes an adventurous trip across the Andes.
Table of Contents
Volume 1: Preface; 1. Departure from England; 2. Climate; 3. Agriculture, maize, mandioca, sugar and coffee; 4. Population; 5. Departure for Buenos Ayres; 6. Province of Buenos Ayres; 7. Individual comfort, food, dress, and houses; 8. Revenue; 9. Departure from Buenos Ayres; 10. Mendoza; 11. Extent of Modern Chile; 12. State of Chilian agriculture. Volume 2: 13. The provisional constitution of Chile; 14. Departure from St. Jago; 15. Departure from St. Jago for Buenos Ayres; 16. Departure from La Punta de San Luiz; 17. Preparations for a journey to the gold mines; 18. Queluz; 19. Excursion to the gold mines of the Rio das Velhas; Appendix.