In Morocco

by Edith Wharton Narrated by Anna Fields

Overview

"To step on board a steamer in a Spanish port, and three hours later to land in a country without a guidebook, is a sensation to rouse the hunger of the most replete sightseer. The sensation is attainable by any one who will take the trouble to row out into the harbor of Algeciras and scramble onto a little black boat headed across the straits."

A classic of travel writing, In Morocco is Edith Wharton's remarkable account of her journey to that country during World War I. With her characteristic sense of adventure, Wharton set out to explore Morocco and its people, traveling by military jeep to Rabat, Moulay Idriss, Fez, and Marrakech, from the Atlantic coast to the high Atlas. Along the way, she witnessed religious ceremonies and ritual dances, visited the opulent palaces of the sultan, and was admitted to the mysterious world of his harem.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal

During her travels in Morocco in 1917, Wharton kept a rather complete, descriptive account of her experiences. As expected of such a superbly talented author, her observations are well written and interesting. While this gives listeners a real feel for desert living and tribes, it does not include a map, which would have been helpful in following and better understanding her journey. Wharton provides some historical perspective and unusual insight into the travel of that period and into the lives of women. Her account of visits to harems provide the most educational and fascinating listening. Anna Fields reads beautifully, gliding through a great many difficult names, making only one detectable pronunciation error. Unfortunately, old travel books normally attract a rather limited audience. True armchair travelers or those with a special interest in Morocco may be interested. Libraries seeking older verbal travelogs should consider.--Carolyn Alexander, Brigadoon Lib., Salinas, CA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Presents detailed case studies of seven heavyweight British politicians who have defected from their party since 1886. Among them are Joseph Chamberlain, Winston Churchill, Ramsay MacDonald, and Roy Jenkins. Chapters also explore the forces that discourage politicians from changing party and the factors that can overcome them. No subject index. Distributed by Ashgate. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

AudioFile

Wharton’s language alternates between unimpassioned frankness and voluptuous description of Morocco’s staggering natural and cultural beauty. Anna Fields takes her cue from the text, delivering a clipped and assured reading when Wharton discusses conveyance, history, and other mundane matters, and an unhurried, even dreamy, reading of Wharton’s sensuous and evocative descriptions.”

Kliatt

Since the audio is a first-person account, the narration apparently is being told by Wharton herself. For her fans, that places a large burden on Fields, who meets the challenge. Her voice is forceful, intelligent, textured, and clear…The way she handles foreign words is masterful.”

Independent (London)

There was no guide book to the country before this one...[her] descriptions brim with life and colour.”

Times (London)

Wharton on the road is an inexhaustible joy.”

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169604405
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	10/09/2008
Edition description:	Unabridged

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