From the Lakes of Killarney to the Golden Horn Informative Summary

Overview:

This book recounts the travels of Henry M. Field, a 19th-century American minister, as he journeys through Europe in 1875. Driven from his home by grief, he embarks on a pilgrimage across the continent, capturing the beauty and complexities of the lands he visits, particularly the social and religious changes sweeping Europe. The author offers keen observations on the economic and political realities of the time, including the impact of the Franco-Prussian War, the rise of the German Empire, the turbulent state of France, and the ongoing struggles of Ireland. He also reflects on the influence of the Church of England and the Catholic Church, the rise of pilgrimages, the resurgence of religious fervor, and the spread of social and political reform movements.

Field’s travels take him to some of Europe’s most iconic destinations, including the Lakes of Killarney, Edinburgh, London, Paris, Geneva, Chamouni, Lucerne, Cologne, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Innsbruck, Lake Como, Venice, Genoa, Nice, Pisa and Naples. He shares his impressions of these places and the people he meets along the way, capturing the distinctive character of each region and providing insights into the social and cultural fabric of the time.

Key Findings:

Europe in the 19th century was undergoing significant social, political, and religious changes.
The newly formed German Empire was a powerful force in Europe.
France was struggling to recover from the Franco-Prussian War and find stability.
Ireland was suffering from widespread poverty and economic inequality.
Religious fervor was on the rise throughout Catholic Europe.
Reform movements were gaining momentum across the continent.
The Eastern Question, particularly the future of the Ottoman Empire, was a major concern for European powers.

Learning:

The reader will gain a better understanding of the political landscape of 19th-century Europe, including the rise of nationalism, the impact of wars and revolutions, and the complexities of international relations.
The reader will learn about the social and religious changes occurring in Europe, particularly the resurgence of religious fervor within the Catholic Church, and the growing influence of reform movements.
The reader will be introduced to the historical and cultural significance of several prominent European destinations.
The reader will gain insights into the diverse cultures and social structures of European societies in the 19th century.

Historical Context: The book was written in 1875, a period marked by significant political upheaval and social change in Europe. The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 had resulted in the unification of Germany and the humiliation of France. This event had a profound impact on the balance of power in Europe and fueled the rise of nationalism in various countries. Ireland, plagued by poverty and economic inequality, was struggling for independence from British rule. Meanwhile, the Ottoman Empire, facing internal unrest and financial crisis, was grappling with the “Eastern Question,” a complex issue surrounding its future and the fate of its Christian populations.

Facts:

Blarney Castle: A 100ft tall castle, built in the 15th century, features the famous Blarney Stone said to impart eloquence to whoever kisses it.
Cromwell: Destroyed several castles in Ireland, including Blarney Castle, in the 17th century.
Brazil: Dom Pedro II, Brazil’s emperor in the late 19th century, was seen as an enlightened monarch ahead of his time.
Freemasons: Excommunicated en masse in Brazil due to a decree from the country’s bishops.
Versailles Palace: Built by Louis XIV, it cost an estimated 200 million dollars.
Versailles: Scene of the surrender of the French to Prussia in 1870.
The Commune: A violent uprising in Paris in 1871, which led to the destruction of the Tuileries Palace and the Hôtel de Ville.
Alsace and Lorraine: Ceded to Germany by France after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871.
William the Silent: The Prince of Orange, assassinated in 1584, was a leading figure in the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain.
The Netherlands: Gained independence from Spain in the 17th century.
John and Cornelius De Witt: Brothers who served as Grand Pensionaries of Holland, executed by a mob in 1672.
Barneveld: A Dutch statesman who played a critical role in securing Holland’s independence, later executed by Maurice of Nassau.
Strasburg: Suffered heavy bombardment by German forces during the Franco-Prussian War.
Cologne Cathedral: A grand example of Gothic architecture, begun in the 13th century, with construction ongoing in the late 19th century.
St. Giles’ Cathedral: In Edinburgh, where John Knox preached in the 16th century.
Holyrood Castle: In Edinburgh, associated with Mary Queen of Scots.
Mont Blanc: The highest mountain in the Alps, at over 15,000 feet.
Mer de Glace: A massive glacier in the French Alps.
Geneva: Home to the Evangelical Alliance, a global Christian organization.
The Passion Play: A dramatic performance in Oberammergau, Bavaria, that enacts the story of Christ’s Passion.
Pius IX: The Pope in the mid-19th century, who declared papal infallibility in 1870.
St. Peter’s Basilica: The largest church in the world, located in Rome.
The Coliseum: A massive amphitheater in Rome, built in the 1st century AD.
Pompeii: An ancient Roman city buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD, rediscovered in the 18th century.
The Baths of Caracalla: Extensive Roman bath complexes in Rome, uncovered through excavation.
The Appian Way: A famous Roman road leading out of Rome, lined with tombs.
The Tarpeian Rock: A cliff in Rome, from which traitors were thrown to their death.
St. Mark’s Basilica: The most famous church in Venice, founded in the 9th century, featuring its famed mosaics.
The Doge’s Palace: The grand palace in Venice, seat of the Doge and the Venetian Senate.
The Bridge of Sighs: A covered bridge connecting the Doge’s Palace to the prisons in Venice.
Monte Carlo: A town in the principality of Monaco, home to one of the most famous gambling casinos in Europe.
Frederick the Great: King of Prussia in the 18th century, known for his military brilliance.
Sans Souci: The palace in Potsdam, Germany, built by Frederick the Great, meaning “without care.”
Lake Como: One of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Italy.
The Arno: A river that flows through Tuscany, Italy.
Michael Angelo: A renowned Renaissance artist, sculptor, architect, and poet.
Galileo: A famous Italian astronomer and physicist.
Savonarola: A Dominican friar and preacher who led a reform movement in Florence in the late 15th century.

Statistics:

5,500 tons: The carrying capacity of the City of Berlin, the ship on which Field sailed to Europe.
100 feet: The height of Blarney Castle.
£200: The amount the Moderator of the Church of Scotland Assembly is given to entertain guests.
4 million: The population of London in the 19th century.
8,000: The capacity of the tabernacle built for Moody and Sankey’s meetings in London.
1,000 million dollars: The amount of war indemnity paid by France to Germany after the Franco-Prussian War.
200 million dollars: The estimated cost of Versailles Palace.
34 million: The population of the Austrian Empire.
700: The number of members in the French National Assembly.
1,000 million dollars: The amount of war indemnity paid by Austria to Prussia after the Austro-Prussian War.
5,000: The number of women cared for at the Salpêtrière, a large hospital for elderly women in Paris.
28 feet: The length of Thorwaldsen’s Lion in Lucerne.
400: The number of Bible women working in London as part of Mrs. Ranyard’s mission.
500 feet: The height of the spires to be added to Cologne Cathedral.
5,000: The estimated population of Paray-le-Monial, a town famous for its convent.
20,000: The number of pilgrims who visited the shrine at Paray-le-Monial on a single day.
20,000: The estimated population of Berne, Switzerland.
35,000: The estimated population of Interlachen, Switzerland.
12,000: The estimated population of Pompeii.
600: The number of skeletons found in Pompeii.
9,000 feet: The height of the Stelvio Pass, the highest mountain pass in Europe.
12,000: The number of people estimated to have been killed in the Bulgarian massacres.
50,000: The estimated population of Nice, France.
500,000: The estimated population of Naples.
700,000: The number of soldiers estimated to be in the Turkish army during the 19th century.
1.5 million: The estimated population of Servia.

Terms:

Sustentation Fund: A fund established by the Free Church of Scotland to support its ministers.
The Eastern Question: The complex geopolitical issue surrounding the Ottoman Empire and its fate in the late 19th century.
Franc-tireurs: Irregular soldiers who fought for France during the Franco-Prussian War.
The Tête Noire: A mountain pass in the Swiss Alps.
The Mer de Glace: A massive glacier in the French Alps.
The Ranz des Vaches: A traditional Swiss folk song, associated with homesickness.
The Stelvio Pass: The highest mountain pass in Europe.
The Ortler Alps: A mountain range in the Eastern Alps.
The Adige: A river in Northern Italy.
The Quadrilateral: Four fortresses built by Austria to control Upper Italy.
The Lagune: A shallow lagoon that forms Venice.
The Rialto: A famous bridge in Venice.
The Campanile: A bell tower in Venice.
The Arsenal: A naval shipyard in Venice.
The Corniche Road: A scenic road along the Riviera of the Mediterranean coast.
The Duomo: The Cathedral of Milan.
The Pincian Hill: A hill in Rome, popular for its gardens and views.
The Vatican: The palace in Rome, seat of the Pope.
The Quirinal: The palace in Rome, seat of the Italian government.
The Castle of St. Angelo: A fortress in Rome.
The Scala Santa: A staircase in Rome, believed to be the staircase of Pilate’s house.
The Mamertine Prison: A prison in Rome, where St. Paul was reportedly held.
The Catacombs: Underground tunnels in Rome, used as burial grounds and places of worship by early Christians.
The Inquisition: A tribunal established by the Catholic Church in the 13th century to suppress heresy.
The Sheik-al-Islam: The highest religious authority in the Ottoman Empire.
The Seraskier Tower: A watchtower in Constantinople.
The Golden Horn: A natural harbor in Constantinople.
The Bosphorus: A strait that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmora, separating Europe and Asia.
The Sweet Waters of Asia: A valley in Asia Minor.
The Giants’ Mountain: A hill in Asia Minor, traditionally associated with Joshua’s tomb.
The Symplegades: Clashing rocks in the ancient Greek legend of Jason and the Argonauts.
The Bema: A platform in the Athenian Agora, where speakers addressed the people.
The Agora: The marketplace and public forum of ancient Athens.
The Franklin: The American Flag-ship, commanded by Admiral John L. Worden, on which Field sailed to Greece and Turkey.
The Janissaries: A military force that served as the Sultan’s elite troops, overthrown in the 19th century.
The Cheragan Palace: A grand palace in Constantinople, built by Abdul Aziz.
The Dardanelles: A strait connecting the Sea of Marmora to the Aegean Sea.
The Sea of Marmora: A sea separating Europe and Asia Minor.
The Black Sea: A sea to the north of Turkey.
The Bashi Bazouks: Irregular Turkish troops, known for their brutality.
The Euphrates: A river in the Middle East, mentioned in biblical prophecy.
The Shei k-al-Islam: The highest religious authority in the Ottoman Empire.

Examples:

Grace Greenwood: American writer and performer who entertained passengers on the City of Berlin with recitations and songs.
Dr. Schaff: American scholar and theologian, who accompanied Field on his voyage, and was also involved in the revision of the English Bible.
The Beggars of Ireland: Field encountered numerous beggars in Ireland, who used their wit and charm to appeal for charity.
The Covenanters: Scottish Protestants who fought for religious freedom in the 17th century.
Moody and Sankey: American evangelists who held large revival meetings in London in the 1870s.
Mr. Spurgeon: A famous Baptist preacher in London, who endorsed the work of Moody and Sankey.
The Prisoner of the Vatican: Field describes Pope Pius IX’s self-imposed confinement within the Vatican, following the loss of his temporal power.
The Howling Dervishes: A group of Muslim religious performers who participated in ecstatic rituals.
The Ulemas: The Muslim clergy in the Ottoman Empire.
The Janissaries: A military force that served as the Sultan’s elite troops, overthrown in the 19th century.
The Turks: The dominant ethnic group in the Ottoman Empire.
The Servians: The inhabitants of Servia, who rebelled against Ottoman rule in the 19th century.
The Bulgarians: The inhabitants of Bulgaria, who suffered massacres by Turkish troops in the 19th century.

Conclusion: This text provides a glimpse into 19th-century Europe through the eyes of a perceptive American traveler. Through vivid descriptions of various cities and landscapes, Field captures the historical significance of the places he visits, along with the social and political realities of the time. His observations reveal the power of national pride and ambition, the complexities of religious fervor, and the impact of war, revolution, and social change on the people and governments of Europe. Field’s insights into the changing political landscape, particularly the rising power of Germany, the instability of France, and the ongoing struggles of Ireland, offer a glimpse into the future of Europe. His observations on the state of the Ottoman Empire and the “Eastern Question” foreshadow the significant changes that would take place in the region. Though written over a century ago, the book remains a valuable document of a crucial period in European history.

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