Publisher's Synopsis
"The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress" is a travel book written by Mark Twain, first published in 1869. It chronicles Twain's journey aboard the steamship Quaker City as part of a tour of Europe and the Holy Land, organized by the American-based "Quaker City Excursion" for wealthy travelers seeking cultural enrichment.
In the book, Twain provides humorous and often irreverent observations of the places he visits, the people he encounters, and the sights he sees. He offers sharp critiques of the tourists' behavior, as well as their cultural ignorance and pretensions. Twain's witty and satirical commentary is directed not only at his fellow travelers but also at the institutions and beliefs they encounter on their journey, including religion, art, and history.
"The Innocents Abroad" was Twain's first major literary success and established him as a prominent American writer. It remains one of his most popular and enduring works, celebrated for its humor, insight, and vivid depiction of the sights and sounds of nineteenth-century Europe and the Middle East. The book's blend of travelogue, satire, and social commentary continues to captivate readers and inspire generations of travelers and writers.
