H. Arnold Barton

Northern Arcadia provides an extremely interesting comparative study of foreign visitors' experiences and travels to Scandinavia and the Nordic countries during the period 1765-1815. During this era of pre-romanticism, travellers were attracted to the Nordic lands by its untamed wilderness and peoples uncorrupted by modern civilisation.

Drawing on a wide range of travellers' accounts, Barton provides an illuminating account of the changing perceptions of Scandinavia. Northern Arcadia highlights the contrasts between the various lands and regions, the reactions of the travellers, and between the Scandinavian and foreign perceptions of the region both then and now.

Altogether, this is a fascinating study in the changing course of travel literature, regional studies, and Scandinavian history. Just like any piece of travel literature, then or now, it also achieves the goal of ensuring the reader too wants to visit the place.… (mehr)