Librería Samer Atenea
Kálamo Books
Librería Elías (Asturias)
Librería Kolima (Madrid)
Librería Proteo (Málaga)
Morning mist drifts over Manila Bay as the sound of distant church bells mingles with the bustle of unfamiliar streets-a scene both foreign and immediate, seen through the observant eyes of an American woman far from her Ohio home. Against the backdrop of the late nineteenth century, a period marked by shifting empires and new encounters, this personal travel account unfolds with candour and curiosity. From the gentle sway of the ship approaching the volcanic silhouettes of Honolulu, to the intricate rituals of Japanese ports and the layered histories of China’s harbours, the narrative captures not only the physical journey but the emotional terrain of cross cultural encounters. The author’s voice, by turns reflective and lively, invites readers into the heart of each moment: the humid air of Manila, the polite formalities of Japanese society, the bustling markets and tranquil gardens encountered along the way.What distinguishes this memoir is its rare perspective as a woman traveller in Asia at a time when such journeys were both unusual and fraught with challenges. The narrative is imbued with a sense of discovery, yet never shies away from the complexities of being an outsider-offering an unvarnished look at the joys and tensions of cultural exchange. The writing is attentive to the details of daily life, from the architecture of Manila to the customs observed in foreign ports, making it a valuable resource for those interested in nineteenth century travel, women travellers in Asia, and the nuanced realities of American women abroad. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today’s and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it’s a collector’s item and a cultural treasure. For general readers, collectors, and anyone drawn to the layered histories of Asia, this memoir remains a window onto a world both distant and surprisingly present.
