Last Days in a Dutch Hotel (from Literature and Life) By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)
Last Days in a Dutch Hotel by William Dean Howells is a captivating and intimate literary work that transports readers to the mesmerizing city of Rotterdam. This thought-provoking collection of essays explores the author's personal experiences during his stay in a Dutch hotel, enticing readers with vivid descriptions and insightful commentary on various aspects of life. One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is Howells' ability to immerse readers in the Dutch culture and atmosphere. Through his meticulous observations, he paints a rich and detailed picture of the city's architecture, cuisine, and daily life. His keen eye for detail allows readers to visualize the bustling streets, quaint canals, and charming cafés, enabling them to fully appreciate the unique ambiance of Rotterdam. Moreover, Last Days in a Dutch Hotel delves into the complexities of human interaction and the universal themes of love, morality, and societal norms. Howells contemplates these issues through his encounters with the hotel staff, fellow guests, and even chance encounters on the streets. These encounters serve as a catalyst for introspection, prompting readers to question their own beliefs and values. In addition to its compelling content, the book is beautifully crafted. Howells' prose is elegant and lyrical, capturing the essence of each scene with eloquence. The dialogue is authentic and engaging, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Whether he is conveying a humorous anecdote or examining the profound, the author's writing leaves a lasting impact on the reader. While Last Days in a Dutch Hotel primarily focuses on the city of Rotterdam, it is far from being a mere travelogue. Howells uses his experiences as a lens to explore fundamental aspects of humanity, making the book relatable and thought-provoking for readers from all walks of life. Whether one has visited Rotterdam or not, the book's universal themes and introspective nature make it a worthwhile read for anyone with an appreciation for literature. Overall, Last Days in a Dutch Hotel is a remarkable piece of literature that combines travel writing with poignant reflections on life. William Dean Howells showcases his mastery of storytelling through captivating prose, vivid descriptions, and compelling themes. This book is a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking and immersive literary experience. First Page: LITERATURE AND LIFE Last Days in a Dutch Hotel by William Dean Howells LAST DAYS IN A DUTCH HOTEL (1897) When we said that we were going to Scheveningen, in the middle of September, the portier of the hotel at The Hague was sure we should be very cold, perhaps because we had suffered so much in his house already; and he was right, for the wind blew with a Dutch tenacity of purpose for a whole week, so that the guests thinly peopling the vast hostelry seemed to rustle through its chilly halls and corridors like so many autumn leaves. We were but a poor hundred at most where five hundred would not have been a crowd; and, when we sat down at the long tables d'hote in the great dining room, we had to warm our hands with our plates before we could hold our spoons. From time to time the weather varied, as it does in Europe (American weather is of an exemplary constancy in comparison), and three or four times a day it rained, and three or four times it cleared; but through all the wind blew cold and colder. We were promised, however, that the hotel would not close till October, and we made shift, with a warm chimney in one room and three gas burners in another, if not to keep warm quite, yet certainly to get used to the cold. I. In the mean time the sea bathing went resolutely on with all its forms... Continue reading book >>

Last Days in a Dutch Hotel (from Literature and Life) By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)

Last Days in a Dutch Hotel by William Dean Howells is a captivating and intimate literary work that transports readers to the mesmerizing city of Rotterdam. This thought-provoking collection of essays explores the author's personal experiences during his stay in a Dutch hotel, enticing readers with vivid descriptions and insightful commentary on various aspects of life.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is Howells' ability to immerse readers in the Dutch culture and atmosphere. Through his meticulous observations, he paints a rich and detailed picture of the city's architecture, cuisine, and daily life. His keen eye for detail allows readers to visualize the bustling streets, quaint canals, and charming cafés, enabling them to fully appreciate the unique ambiance of Rotterdam.

Moreover, Last Days in a Dutch Hotel delves into the complexities of human interaction and the universal themes of love, morality, and societal norms. Howells contemplates these issues through his encounters with the hotel staff, fellow guests, and even chance encounters on the streets. These encounters serve as a catalyst for introspection, prompting readers to question their own beliefs and values.

In addition to its compelling content, the book is beautifully crafted. Howells' prose is elegant and lyrical, capturing the essence of each scene with eloquence. The dialogue is authentic and engaging, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Whether he is conveying a humorous anecdote or examining the profound, the author's writing leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

While Last Days in a Dutch Hotel primarily focuses on the city of Rotterdam, it is far from being a mere travelogue. Howells uses his experiences as a lens to explore fundamental aspects of humanity, making the book relatable and thought-provoking for readers from all walks of life. Whether one has visited Rotterdam or not, the book's universal themes and introspective nature make it a worthwhile read for anyone with an appreciation for literature.

Overall, Last Days in a Dutch Hotel is a remarkable piece of literature that combines travel writing with poignant reflections on life. William Dean Howells showcases his mastery of storytelling through captivating prose, vivid descriptions, and compelling themes. This book is a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking and immersive literary experience.

First Page:

LITERATURE AND LIFE Last Days in a Dutch Hotel

by William Dean Howells

LAST DAYS IN A DUTCH HOTEL

(1897)

When we said that we were going to Scheveningen, in the middle of September, the portier of the hotel at The Hague was sure we should be very cold, perhaps because we had suffered so much in his house already; and he was right, for the wind blew with a Dutch tenacity of purpose for a whole week, so that the guests thinly peopling the vast hostelry seemed to rustle through its chilly halls and corridors like so many autumn leaves. We were but a poor hundred at most where five hundred would not have been a crowd; and, when we sat down at the long tables d'hote in the great dining room, we had to warm our hands with our plates before we could hold our spoons. From time to time the weather varied, as it does in Europe (American weather is of an exemplary constancy in comparison), and three or four times a day it rained, and three or four times it cleared; but through all the wind blew cold and colder. We were promised, however, that the hotel would not close till October, and we made shift, with a warm chimney in one room and three gas burners in another, if not to keep warm quite, yet certainly to get used to the cold.

In the mean time the sea bathing went resolutely on with all its forms... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Travel

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