Description
By: Elizabeth Davis Bancroft (1803-1886)
In “Letters from England, 1846-1849,” Elizabeth Davis Bancroft provides readers with a fascinating and detailed account of her experiences living in England during the mid-19th century. Through her letters, Bancroft offers a unique perspective on a time and place that may be unfamiliar to many readers.
Bancroft’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing readers to vividly imagine the sights, sounds, and experiences she describes. Her observations about English society, customs, and politics are insightful and thought-provoking, shedding light on the social and cultural landscape of the time.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is Bancroft’s exploration of her own identity as an American living in England. She reflects on her sense of belonging, her interactions with English society, and her observations on the differences between American and English culture. This introspective aspect of the book adds depth and complexity to Bancroft’s narrative.
Overall, “Letters from England, 1846-1849” is a captivating and informative read for anyone interested in history, culture, and travel writing. Bancroft’s keen eye for detail and her eloquent writing make this book a valuable addition to the genre of personal correspondence.
Book Description:
Elizabeth Bancroft went to England with her husband, historian George Bancroft, for three of the most dynamicy years in European hstory. As Ambassador to England from the United States, George moved in the highest circles. In his wife’s letters to their sons, her uncle, her brother, and Mrs. Polk (the President’s wife), we see glimpses not only of early Victorian English life, but also of Queen Victoria herself! Mrs. Bancroft speaks of dinners with Benjamin Disraeli, visits to Wordsworth, weekends in the country with Louis Napolean and Sir Robert Peel with such matter of fact aplomb that one cannot help being impressed.
