Tag Archives: Max O’Rell

Too Much Hat

Posted on January 28, 2019 by

Snippets 183.  In 1889 French travel writer Max O’Rell wrote about American society in great detail in Jonathan and his Continent, making the book an important piece of work from a social history perspective.  The following are the edited highlights … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, Books, History, Humor, Humour, People, Snippets, Travel, USA | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Money Talks

Posted on November 22, 2018 by

Snippets 174.  Which country is the most “free” for the people who live there, the USA or the UK?  I wouldn’t like to make a judgement on that, but in 1889 travel writer Max O’Rell expressed a very clear opinion … Continue reading →

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Danger! Lady on Board!

Posted on July 2, 2018 by

Snippets 158. In John Bull and His Island (1883), Frenchman Max O’Rell describes the experience of travelling in England at the time.  He is largely complimentary about the railway system, commenting on the lack of bureaucracy in comparison with France, … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, Books, Britain, England, History, Humor, Humour, Snippets, Travel | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Etiquette on the Horsebus

Posted on June 18, 2018 by

Snippets 156. During the latter half of the 19th Century, horse drawn omnibuses were a popular means of transport.  Some of these were even double decker, with uncovered benches on the top deck.  A familiar sight greeting a traveller at … Continue reading →

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The English need to travel

Posted on June 4, 2018 by

Snippets 154.  Last week we looked at a quote from John Bull and His Island (1883), by Max O’Rell, in which the author (who hailed from France) examines the peculiar character of the English and what sets them apart from … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, Books, Britain, History, Inspiration, People, Snippets, Travel | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

The idea of “home”

Posted on May 27, 2018 by

Snippets 153.  Over the last three years that Windows into History has been going, I have occasionally championed a particular favourite author of mine from the late 19th Century: Max O’Rell (1847-1903).  He was a humourous French travel writer, whose … Continue reading →

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President vs Queen

Posted on July 28, 2017 by

Quick Quotes 16. The following is taken from Max O’Rell’s Jonathan and his Continent (1889): Upon the strength of a six months’ sojourn in America, one would hardly attempt to deliver a verdict on the political system of the country. … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th Century, History, Politics, Quick Quotes, Travel, USA | Tagged | 2 Comments