2-5. Grand Tour Narratives

Grand Tour Narratives 

Grand Tourists with a zeal for classical inscriptions had the most profound effect on the study of epigraphy. Their efforts in collecting, translating, and publishing the many inscriptions they encountered established epigraphy as a critical source of evidence for the classical past.

(2) Maximilian Misson’s A New Voyage to Italy was originally published in 1691, but here appears in its 5th edition. He writes for his patron, His Grace, the Duke of Gloucester and the two volume work records his travels in Italy and surrounding areas during the late 17th century. The Italian sections of his guide include early views of Italian cities and landscapes, and many renderings of classical sculptures, some with inscriptions.

(3) This slim volume, rebound in leather with gilt additions, records Joseph Addison’s travels in Italy from 1701-3. Like Misson’s four-book set, Addidon’s single volume is dedicated to his patron, John Somers, 1st Baron Somers, of Evesham and follows his journey from Marseille to Milan and Florence, Padua and Venice, Naples, Sienna, and of course, Rome. The text is punctuated by frequent quotations from classical authors, demonstrating the author’s training in classical literature, rather than history or material culture. Addison is concerned not only with a contemporary description of Italy, its cities, government and culture, but also with the presentation and interpretation of historical remains, through the lens of classical literature.

(5) William Ramsay’s school-boy manual of Roman antiquities was first published in 1859, appearing here in its 10th edition. It was intended as an accompaniment for those studying Latin, rather than a traveller’s account. Consequently the work is more similar to that of Kennett and is organised by section, dealing with the city of Rome, its history, laws and institutions, religion, military and daily life. Numerous images of original coins are included alongside accurate plans and other scenes designed to be instructive, rather than evocative. Indeed, Ramsay was Professor of Humanity at Glasgow University.

(4) Originally published in 1696, this volume is the 16th edition of Basil Kennett’s Antiquities of Rome. Divided into two parts, the first considers the history of Rome from the kings to Constantine, while the second examines the physical remains of the ancient city. It includes numerous plates illustrating vignettes of Roman architecture and customs, as well as a notable map of ancient Rome with its major landmarks. This type of work was a natural successor to the travel narratives of Grand Tourists like Misson and Addison and their increased interest in the physical remains of antiquity, as distinct from its literature.