Overview:
This book provides a detailed and personal account of a European travelogue from 1909. J. Wardle, accompanied by his wife, embarks on a journey that spans the continent, taking them through the bustling streets of London and Paris, the ancient wonders of Rome and Florence, the captivating canals of Venice, the majestic Alps of Switzerland, and finally, the picturesque landscapes of the French Riviera. Wardle’s observations are a blend of historical context, cultural insights, and personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of Europe at the dawn of the 20th century.
Through his journey, the author not only describes the architectural marvels, museums, and historical sites he encounters but also delves into the social and religious nuances of the various regions. He observes the contrast between the opulence of churches and the poverty of the people, the cultural differences in everyday life, and the historical significance of the places he visits.
Key Findings:
- Contrast between wealth and poverty: Wardle frequently highlights the stark contrast between the extravagant displays of wealth in churches, palaces, and museums, and the widespread poverty and hardship experienced by many people in the cities he visits.
- Cultural differences: The author provides numerous observations about the cultural differences between England and the continent, particularly in regards to social customs, language, and attitudes towards travel and tourism.
- Historical significance: The journey takes Wardle through a multitude of historical sites, from the ruins of ancient Rome to the monuments of Swiss independence, providing a tangible connection to the past and its impact on the present.
Learning:
- Religious Landscape of Europe: The book offers a glimpse into the religious landscape of Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, showcasing the dominance of the Catholic Church and its influence on society. Wardle’s observations shed light on the practices, rituals, and beliefs of the Catholic faith, as well as the growing presence of Protestantism in some regions.
- Art and Architecture of Europe: Wardle’s journey provides a guided tour through some of Europe’s most iconic architectural masterpieces, offering insights into the styles and history of these structures. He also expresses his admiration for the artistry of the Renaissance masters, showcasing a vast collection of sculptures, paintings, and mosaics.
- Social and Cultural Differences: The travelogue serves as a cultural comparison between England and the continent. Wardle notes differences in social customs, language, and attitudes towards tourism. He also observes the impact of historical events on the present, particularly the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
Historical Context:
The book’s historical context is primarily defined by the period following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. This conflict had a significant impact on the political landscape of Europe, leading to the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by Germany and a sense of nationalistic tension. Wardle’s account of Belfort, which withstood a German siege, provides a poignant reminder of the war’s consequences. The book also depicts the waning power of the Pope, reflecting a broader shift in religious and political power dynamics.
Facts:
- London’s population: London, in 1909, had a population of approximately 7,000,000, making it the largest city in the world at the time.
- London’s industries: London housed the largest breweries, distilleries, and sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, along with extensive manufacturing in metal, textile, leather, printing, and shipbuilding.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral is renowned for its monuments, torn banners, and choral services.
- Rouen’s cotton industry: Rouen, in 1909, was a major commercial center in France, particularly known for its cotton factories, producing goods worth 80,000,000 francs annually.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris stands on the site of a Roman temple to Jupiter, dating back centuries.
- The Pantheon: The Pantheon in Paris was funded through a lottery during the reign of Louis XV and houses the remains of notable figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marat.
- St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre: The St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre, a horrific event in 1572, saw the slaughter of thousands of Huguenots (French Protestants) in Paris and throughout France.
- Champs-Elysees: This grand avenue in Paris, stretching over a mile, was a focal point for social gatherings, entertainment, and the celebration of French victories.
- Bois de Boulogne: The Bois de Boulogne is a vast parkland in Paris, offering a retreat from the city’s bustle with lakes, islands, caverns, and avenues.
- Napoleon III’s urban development: Napoleon III invested heavily in the development of Paris, building 70 miles of streets, 200 boulevards, 8 churches, 80 schools, 12 bridges, and planting 50,000 trees.
- The Louvre: The Louvre Museum, encompassing 60 acres, houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from ancient civilizations.
- Mont Cenis Tunnel: This 8-mile tunnel, connecting France and Italy, was a monumental feat of engineering, requiring nearly £3,000,000 and many lives to construct.
- Turin: Turin, a city in northwest Italy, served as a stop along Wardle’s journey through the Alps.
- Genoa: Genoa, a major port city in Italy, is known for its churches, palaces, and art galleries.
- The Roman Forum: The Forum in Rome, once the heart of the Roman Empire, was the site of the Senate, the market, and courts.
- The Colosseum: The Colosseum, a massive amphitheater in Rome, was constructed by forced labor of Jews and Christians, and used for gladiatorial contests and the persecution of Christians.
- Pantheon, Rome: The Pantheon in Rome, originally dedicated to “All the Gods,” was consecrated as a church in 610 AD and is home to the remains of Raphael.
- Castle of St. Angelo: This ancient structure in Rome, built as a tomb by Emperor Hadrian, has served as a fortress and a palace throughout history.
- Trajan’s Column: The Column of Trajan, a Doric column in Rome, is adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the emperor’s military campaigns.
- Garibaldi’s Monument: This monument in Rome commemorates General Garibaldi, a revered Italian hero and patriot who played a key role in the unification of Italy.
Statistics:
- London’s population: 7,000,000 (1909)
- Rouen’s cotton production: 80,000,000 francs annually (1909)
- Notre Dame’s height: 200 feet (towers)
- Pantheon’s dome: 267 feet high
- St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre: Over 15,000 Christian martyrs perished in Paris alone.
- Napoleon III’s urban investment: £60,000,000
- The Louvre’s size: 60 acres
- Mont Cenis Tunnel’s length: 8 miles
- Mont Cenis Tunnel’s cost: nearly £3,000,000
- Colosseum’s capacity: 100,000 people
- Colosseum’s area: 6 acres
- Pantheon’s portico: 16 granite columns, 40 feet high.
- Castle of St. Angelo’s size: immense, circular
- Trajan’s Column’s height: 40 feet (columns)
- Garibaldi’s Monument’s statue: life-sized, bronze
- St. Peter’s Basilica’s area: 240,000 square feet
- St. Peter’s Basilica’s cost: £11,000,000
- St. Peter’s Basilica’s bronze statue: 400,000 lbs.
- St. Peter’s Basilica’s columns: 756 (total)
- Vatican’s rooms: 11,000
Terms:
- Huguenots: French Protestants, targeted in the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre.
- Gondola: A traditional Venetian boat, used for transportation and entertainment.
- Duomo: A cathedral, often a significant architectural landmark in Italian cities.
- Piazza: A public square or plaza, common in Italian cities.
- Campagna: A rural area surrounding Rome.
- Table-de-hote: A fixed-price meal with a set menu, common in European hotels.
- Bas-relief: A sculpture that projects slightly from a flat surface, often used as decoration.
- Facade: The front elevation of a building, often elaborately designed.
- Mosaics: Artwork created by arranging small pieces of colored stone, glass, or tile.
- Frescoes: Paintings applied to wet plaster, a technique commonly used in Italian art.
Examples:
- The St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre: This event, which took place in 1572, highlights the violence and intolerance of the Catholic Church in France during the Renaissance period.
- Napoleon III’s urban development of Paris: This project demonstrates the impact of a ruler’s vision on a city’s transformation.
- The Mont Cenis Tunnel: This engineering marvel represents the technological advancements of the 19th century and the human capacity to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
- The Colosseum: This iconic amphitheater, used for gladiatorial combats and the persecution of Christians, provides a tangible example of the brutality of Roman society.
- The Pantheon, Rome: The Pantheon’s enduring presence, serving both as a temple to ancient deities and a Christian church, exemplifies the blending of historical traditions and evolving cultural values.
- The Palace of the Doges: This palace, representing the power and wealth of the Venetian Republic, illustrates the complexities of governance and the evolution of political power structures over time.
- The Bridge of Sighs: This bridge, immortalized by Lord Byron, evokes a sense of intrigue and the poignant drama of human suffering.
- Savonarola’s martyrdom: This event highlights the clash between religious beliefs and the power of the Catholic Church, demonstrating the lengths to which some individuals will go to defend their convictions.
- Raphael’s artistry: Raphael’s paintings in the Vatican and other locations showcase the artistic brilliance and innovative techniques of the Renaissance era.
- Galileo’s trial: Galileo’s conflict with the Church, resulting in his imprisonment and forced recantation, illustrates the resistance to scientific inquiry and the power of established authority.
Conclusion:
J. Wardle’s “From the Thames to the Tiber” is a captivating journey through the diverse and fascinating landscapes of Europe at the turn of the 20th century. Through his vivid descriptions, personal observations, and historical insights, Wardle invites the reader to experience the grandeur of architectural marvels, the beauty of natural landscapes, and the complexities of European cultures. The book underscores the contrast between wealth and poverty, the significance of historical events, and the influence of religion on social structures. It ultimately offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era, showcasing the enduring beauty of Europe’s heritage and the complexities of a world in transition.