A Summer in the Azores: With a Glimpse of Madeira

by Charlotte Alice Baker

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

174 pages, Hardcover

First published August 11, 2015

About the author

Charlotte Baker (11 April 1833 – 1909), was an American historian, journalist, and teacher.

Reviews

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember the last time I read a book based solely on its title, knowing nothing about the text inside nor its author. When I picked up this library hold, I was surprised to find a cloth bound, gilt-edged pocket-sized book. Perfect for holding in one's hand(s). While this copy may have been re-bound, the pages seem original from 1882 (Boston, Lee and Shepard Publishers). The inside front cover shows its last ink-stamped library check-out was October 31, 1945.

The book is essentially a travel diary of an American woman, who sailed from New Bedford, Mass., to spend her summer in the Azores and Madeira. First entry is June 12, with the final entry on September 27. Preface includes an apology for her "fragmentary impressions" -- but her reason for documenting was because "no satisfactory picture of life in the Azores" existed at the time, with one exception.

Long story short, I loved this reading experience.

p. 57 - Quote -
"Paciencia!" cries the Portuguese often to us brisk Yankees; and one must cultivate that virtue to be happy in the Azores.

Baker's descriptions of people and poverty are sometimes poorly worded, or unkind. But she could also be funny in conveying stories, and lyrical when describing the environment. Her description of the Furnas is particularly memorable (p. 99-100).

After finishing the book, I did a bit of online searching and discovered Baker was part of a same-sex triadic domestic arrangement (with Susan Minot Lane and Emma Lewis Coleman). I also found two photos of our intrepid traveler:
http://americancenturies.mass.edu/col...
http://americancenturies.mass.edu/col...

To read the book digitally:
https://archive.org/details/summerina...