Spain in Mind: An Anthology: From Byron, Trollope, and Wharton to Auden, Orwell, and Hemingway--Three Centuries of Great Writers Entranced by Spain

This book, edited by Alice Leccese Powers, is a terrific collection of pieces by "great writers entranced by Spain". Powers has assembled a wonderful collection, which includes pieces by all of the usual suspects (Hemingway, Auden, Orwell, Washington Irving, James Michener, Gerald Brenan, Langston Hughes), augmented by contributions from other illustrious literary pilgrims (Lord Byron, Henry James, John Dos Passos, Edith Wharton, Robert Graves, Anthony Trollope, W. Somerset Maugham), a smattering of poetry (Billy Collins, E.E. cummings, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Andrew Marvell, William Wordsworth), and a variety of travel pieces from such 20th century visitors as Rose Macaulay, Jan Morris, Eric Newby, Calvin Trillin, Joanna Trollope, Tim Moore, Barbara Kingsolver, and Mary Lee Settle. The result is an absolute delight -- a book that's small enough to be an unobtrusive travel companion, that one can dip into with confidence, knowing that one's faith in the editor's judgment will not be misplaced. The inclusion of pieces spanning three centuries provides a deeper understanding of context and historical background; the choice of authors helps the reader gain an appreciation of Spain's position in the literary and artistic imagination over the years. There isn't a dull piece in the book (Wordsworth's contribution is confined to one solitary sonnet, in case you were wondering; even I can tolerate a sonnet). It may be just a happy coincidence that the more recent contributions are by travel writers and authors who I've always enjoyed (Rose Macaulay, Eric Newby, Jan Morris, Calvin Trillin, Barbara Kingsolver, Mary Lee Settle). For centuries, travelers from around the world came to Spain -- drawn by its art, food, culture, all of which reflect a fascinating and chequered history. Dramatic landscapes, a Mediterranean climate, the peculiar Spanish blend of warmth, pride and machismo, and the cultural and artistic resurgence in recent decades are further attractions. As a travel destination, Spain is tough to beat. If you can't manage to make a trip in person any time soon, you could do much worse than pick up a copy of this book. Alice Leccese Powers has put together a collection of pieces which capture the country's essential spirit, with charm and panache.

The best travel writing makes you want to pack your bags and leave on the first transport out. Spain in Mind is no exception. Editor Alice Leccese Powers takes us on a tour of Spain through the eyes of writers we might expect, like Ernest Hemingway, and some not usually associated with Spain, like Barbara Kingsolver. There are surprises like Henry James' wry sense of humor and rugged approach to travel. There are delights like the poems of Robert Graves and Wordsworth. There is even a curiosity, Favell Lee Mortimer, a 19th century Englishwoman who managed to pass judgment on many countries without ever setting foot in them. Her take on Spain is amusing in its oddness, but doesn't add much to the reader's understanding of Spain or the Spanish. Fortunately, most of Powers' choices are much more interesting and provide the reader with unique takes on Spain in the last two centuries. There are also some laugh out loud passages from this reviewer's favorite travel genre--the "I moved there, bought a rundown house/hotel/farm and spent every penny I had/didn't have on restoring/bringing up to code the house/barn/studio with the assistance of every generous/larcenous/clueless local workman in the small town without a road" story. The best of these combine a love of the land and its people with a strong dose of humor about one's own foibles and innocence in the face of the challenge. In fact, the best of all travel writing consists of a love of learning about a new land, its people and customs, and the humility that distinguishes the traveler bent on knowing a foreign land and not too proud to make a few mistakes. Many of these writers would make fascinating travel companions, and a collection like this launches the imagination and provides the reader with new sources of information, humor, intrigue, and insight--more to read and discover about places we have been, places we're going, and places we only dream about seeing. Armchair Interviews says: If you want to discover a breadth of fascinating writing about Spain, dive into this volume and be prepared to want more.