Travels in Crete (Cambridge Library Collection - Travel, Europe)

by Robert Pashley

Robert Pashley (1805–59) spent 1833–4 exploring Greece and Turkey as a Trinity College, Cambridge Travelling Fellow and contributor to a British survey of the Mediterranean, yet it was the island of Crete that most captivated his attention; his travels there became the subject of this two-volume account, published in 1837. The following year, Pashley's notes, collected artefacts and books were destroyed in a fire, so this work is all that remains from his expedition to the island. Crete at various points in its history had been ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans. At the time of Pashley's arrival it was under Egyptian administration and there were palpable tensions between Christians and Muslims. In Volume 1, Pashley begins his journey in the western town of Chania, and his lively narrative weaves contemporary observations about Cretans with a discussion of the island's rich history.

Genres: History, Travel

380 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2012

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This two volume set , published in 1837 and brought back to life as part of the Cambridge Library Collection"Books of enduring scholarly value" had been on my bucket list of "to read" - it was family lore that it had been written by one of my very distant ancestors, Robert Pashley (1805-59). I have no proof positive of this other than our family name, Pashley. It is quite scholarly, and would be of interest to a serious student of archaeological/ancient/ historical Crete. I found the descriptions of his travels and observations of relationships between Christians and Mohammedans,Greek revolution, Egyptian,Turkish and Venetian rule of this island in their historical context enlightening. Well footnoted and researched.