Category Archives: Travel Writing

Mark Twain Travel Writer

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

When we think about the great 19th century American writer Mark Twain, his lauded Mississippi River novels usually come to mind. However, it was the 1869 travel book The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrim’s Progress  which first brought him prominence. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Middle East, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Not just the Gateway to the Fjords

Posted on December 8, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Bergen has to be one of my favorite small European cities. The beautifully situated and stunningly scenic city has long been promoted as “the gateway to the Fjords” with much success. But now the tourism professionals at Visit Bergen have … Continue reading →

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Keeping the UK Weird

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Although the golden age of the zine seems to be over, every once in a while one pops up to grab our attention. I recently stumbled across the first edition of a new UK-based zine titled quite appropriately Weird Walk. The … Continue reading →

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Reading Cities

Posted on July 14, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

When I am planning my travels, I always spend time reading about the destinations. Those of you who follow TBTP know that I am devoted to old school travel guidebooks, but I also do my due diligence by reading both … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Books, Europe, Maps, Museums, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fear and Loathing

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

Most thoughtful folks here in North America are approaching the upcoming national election debacle with some degree of fear and loathing. So, it’s quite timely that the Speed Museum in Louisville, Kentucky is launching a special exhibition on their finest … Continue reading →

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Rick Steves Wants To Set You Free

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

If you live in the United States and have ever watched PBS television, or if you’ve ever visited the travel section of any bookstore, then you know exactly who Rick Steves is and what he’s all about. But if you’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Hotels, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

It’s still Constantinople to me

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

As is often the case in the antiquarian book trade, we can search for a title for weeks with no avail and then years later stumble across a copy when we are not even looking. Many years ago I had … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Asia, Books, Europe, History, Libraries, Maps, Middle East, Travel Writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Faroe Islands Closed For Maintenance

Posted on February 24, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

During the past year, it’s been impossible to read a travel magazine or blog without being told that the Faroe Islands is the next in place to visit for travelers who want to get off of the tourist trail. Of course, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, ebooks, Europe, Tourism, Travel Writing | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Literary Road Trips

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

For the last century, American road trips have inspired authors to write great novels and memoirs based on their travels by car, bus, or motorcycle. From F. Scott Fitzgerald to Jack Kerouac the open road has launched a special form … Continue reading →

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Seeing Philadelphia in 1845

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

 Philadelphia: City Sights for Little Folks features illustrations of things you could expect to see on a journey through town in 1845. The title, which offers brief descriptions and occasional rhymes, was surprisingly written for children. The book was printed via stereotype, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Travel Writing, USA, Writing | Tagged , | 1 Comment