It is written for the academic. It is written for the casual reader. At first acquaintance with this title the reader may assume an analogy with Charles Dickens. This assumption would be incorrect but the reader may be forgiven on paradoxical grounds. Romantic writers have long inspired visitors to the destinations they depict and their influence on the travel industry has been profound.
Romantic travel is a relatively recent phenomenon.
It was proceeded by the Grand Tour, which was mostly undertaken around Europe during the eighteenth century by the aristocracy in preparation for civilised adult life. This provides an early indication of the way the countryside used to be perceived. The Grand Tourist was more interested in art, architecture, scholars and grand dinner parties than any scenic splendours. In fact, the natural landscape was seen as a barrier. To travel between the two countries the Grand Tourist had to cross the dreaded Swiss Alps.