Ancient Monasteries of the East: Or the Monasteries of the Levant

Rating:
Summary: Publisher Review
Review: DESCRIPTION:
"Between 1834 and 1837, Curzon visited Egypt, Syria, Albania and mount Athos, in order to examine and collect ancient manuscripts. A dozen years later, sitting among these books, he entertained his solitary evenings in an English country house by writing 'some account of the most curious of these MSS. and the places in which they were found, as well as some of the adventures which I encountered in the pursuit of my venerable game'. The result was a charming flow of reminiscence, the expression of an engaging personality. His account of Egypt under Mehemet Ali has distinct historical value; and, in chapter XVI, he describes, as an eye-witness, the shocking scene of confusion, panic and death which took place in the church of the Holy Sepulchre on the occasion when Ibrahim pasha was present at the Easter ceremony of the holy fire. In a pleasanter and lighter vein, Curzon relates with a certain quaint simplicity his odd experiences in remote monasteries." - From The Cambridge History of English and American Literature (1907-21), Vol. XIV.

CONTENTS:
Chapters I-VI Egypt in 1833
VII-VIII Natorn Lakes
IX The Convent of the Pulley
X Ruined Monastery at Thebes
XI The White Monastery
XII The Island of Piloe, &c.
XIII-XVI Jerusalem and the Monastery of St. Sabba
XVII-XXI The Monasteries of Meteora
XXII-XXVIII The Monasteries of Mount Athos

Rating:
Summary: One-Of-A-Kind and a Treasure
Review: I have read and re-read Curzon's book, and find it one of the funniest things I have ever pored over. Curzon is a deliberate wit and has that special English way of noting and describing the absurd in a dry and straightforward fashion. Yes, it is historically priceless, and his accounts are unique and invaluable --- but what I wouldn't give to have heard his "traveler's tales" straight from his own mouth by the Curzon fireside. If you are at all familiar with any of the areas Curzon visited ( I have lived in some of these places and know how little has actually changed), or have an interest in their history or share his interest in ancient writings, PLEASE read this book. In fact, you need to BUY it because you will return to it again and again.