Notes on Old Edinburgh By: Isabella L. Bird (1831-1904)
Notes on Old Edinburgh by Isabella L. Bird is a remarkable piece of literature that takes readers on a captivating journey through the historic streets of Edinburgh. Written with a keen eye for detail and a passionate love for the city, Bird's book effortlessly transports readers back to a bygone era. One of the book's greatest strengths is its vivid descriptions of the city's architecture and landmarks. Bird's exquisite prose brings the grand medieval structures to life, immersing readers in the rich history and cultural tapestry of Edinburgh. With each page, readers are treated to a visual feast of crumbling buildings, sloping narrow streets, and impressive monuments that seem to whisper tales of days long past. Moreover, the author's meticulous research is evident throughout the book. Bird expertly weaves historical anecdotes and little-known facts into the narrative, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the city's evolution. Her attention to detail, combined with her genuine curiosity, makes for an engaging and enlightening reading experience. Beyond its historical value, Notes on Old Edinburgh also offers a deeply personal perspective on the city. Isabella L. Bird's passion for Edinburgh shines through her writing, and her love for the city is palpable on every page. Her fondness for the locals, their customs, and the vibrant tapestry of local life creates an intimate connection with the reader, making the book feel like a personal exploration of the city rather than a mere travelogue. One minor criticism might be that Bird's writing occasionally strays into sentimental territory, bordering on romanticizing aspects of Edinburgh. While this romanticism may be viewed as a stylistic choice, it could potentially be seen as excessive for some readers who prefer a more objective approach. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise outstanding work. In conclusion, Notes on Old Edinburgh is a must-read for anyone fascinated by history, architecture, or the magic of travel. Isabella L. Bird's eloquent prose and profound knowledge of the city make this book a delightful and enriching experience. Whether you have visited Edinburgh before or plan to do so in the future, this book will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation for the city's beauty and its intriguing past. First Page: WORKS BY DR. JOHN BROWN. Horæ Subsecivæ. Sixth Edition. 1 Volume, Extra Foolscap 8vo, Price 7s. 6d. Locke and Sydenham. New Edition. Extra Foolscap 8vo, Price 7s. 6d. Letter to the Rev. John Cairns, D.D. Second Edition. Crown 8vo, Sewed, Price 2s. Arthur H. Hallam; Extracted from 'Horæ Subsecivæ.' Foolscap, Sewed, Price 2s.; Cloth, Price 2s. 6d. Rab and his Friends; Extracted from 'Horæ Subsecivæ.' Forty fifth Thousand. Foolscap, Sewed, Price 6d. Marjorie Fleming: A Sketch. Fifteenth Thousand. Foolscap, Sewed, Price 6d. Our Dogs; Extracted from 'Horæ Subsecivæ.' Nineteenth Thousand. Foolscap, Sewed, Price 6d. Rab and his Friends. With Illustrations by Sir GEORGE HARVEY, R.S.A., Sir J. NOEL PATON, R.S.A., and J. B. Cheap Edition. In One Volume, Cloth, Price 3s. 6d. 'With Brains, Sir;' Extracted from 'Horæ Subsecivæ.' Foolscap, Sewed, Price 6d. Minchmoor. Price 6d. Jeems the Door keeper. A Lay Sermon. Price 6d. EDINBURGH: EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS. NOTES ON OLD EDINBURGH BY THE AUTHOR OF 'THE ENGLISHWOMAN IN AMERICA.' [Illustration: INSCRIPTION OVER DOORWAY IN BLACKFRIARS WYND. English Visitor. 'So this is Blackfriars Wynd!' Woman. 'No, it's hell's mouth.'] EDINBURGH EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS 1869. PREFATORY NOTE BY THE REV... Continue reading book >>

Notes on Old Edinburgh By: Isabella L. Bird (1831-1904)

Notes on Old Edinburgh by Isabella L. Bird is a remarkable piece of literature that takes readers on a captivating journey through the historic streets of Edinburgh. Written with a keen eye for detail and a passionate love for the city, Bird's book effortlessly transports readers back to a bygone era.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its vivid descriptions of the city's architecture and landmarks. Bird's exquisite prose brings the grand medieval structures to life, immersing readers in the rich history and cultural tapestry of Edinburgh. With each page, readers are treated to a visual feast of crumbling buildings, sloping narrow streets, and impressive monuments that seem to whisper tales of days long past.

Moreover, the author's meticulous research is evident throughout the book. Bird expertly weaves historical anecdotes and little-known facts into the narrative, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the city's evolution. Her attention to detail, combined with her genuine curiosity, makes for an engaging and enlightening reading experience.

Beyond its historical value, Notes on Old Edinburgh also offers a deeply personal perspective on the city. Isabella L. Bird's passion for Edinburgh shines through her writing, and her love for the city is palpable on every page. Her fondness for the locals, their customs, and the vibrant tapestry of local life creates an intimate connection with the reader, making the book feel like a personal exploration of the city rather than a mere travelogue.

One minor criticism might be that Bird's writing occasionally strays into sentimental territory, bordering on romanticizing aspects of Edinburgh. While this romanticism may be viewed as a stylistic choice, it could potentially be seen as excessive for some readers who prefer a more objective approach. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise outstanding work.

In conclusion, Notes on Old Edinburgh is a must-read for anyone fascinated by history, architecture, or the magic of travel. Isabella L. Bird's eloquent prose and profound knowledge of the city make this book a delightful and enriching experience. Whether you have visited Edinburgh before or plan to do so in the future, this book will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation for the city's beauty and its intriguing past.

First Page:

WORKS BY DR. JOHN BROWN.

Horæ Subsecivæ. Sixth Edition. 1 Volume, Extra Foolscap 8vo, Price 7s. 6d.

Locke and Sydenham. New Edition. Extra Foolscap 8vo, Price 7s. 6d.

Letter to the Rev. John Cairns, D.D. Second Edition. Crown 8vo, Sewed, Price 2s.

Arthur H. Hallam; Extracted from 'Horæ Subsecivæ.' Foolscap, Sewed, Price 2s.; Cloth, Price 2s. 6d.

Rab and his Friends; Extracted from 'Horæ Subsecivæ.' Forty fifth Thousand. Foolscap, Sewed, Price 6d.

Marjorie Fleming: A Sketch. Fifteenth Thousand. Foolscap, Sewed, Price 6d.

Our Dogs; Extracted from 'Horæ Subsecivæ.' Nineteenth Thousand. Foolscap, Sewed, Price 6d.

Rab and his Friends. With Illustrations by Sir GEORGE HARVEY, R.S.A., Sir J. NOEL PATON, R.S.A., and J. B. Cheap Edition. In One Volume, Cloth, Price 3s. 6d.

'With Brains, Sir;' Extracted from 'Horæ Subsecivæ.' Foolscap, Sewed, Price 6d.

Minchmoor. Price 6d.

Jeems the Door keeper. A Lay Sermon. Price 6d.

EDINBURGH: EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS.

NOTES ON OLD EDINBURGH

BY THE AUTHOR OF 'THE ENGLISHWOMAN IN AMERICA.'

[Illustration: INSCRIPTION OVER DOORWAY IN BLACKFRIARS WYND.

English Visitor. 'So this is Blackfriars Wynd!'

Woman. 'No, it's hell's mouth.']

EDINBURGH EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS 1869.

PREFATORY NOTE BY THE REV... Continue reading book >>

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