Two Boston Brahmins in Goethe’s Germany

This volume presents the travel journals of George and Anna Ticknor, a prominent American couple, from their German tours in the first third of the nineteenth century. The parallel yet independent writing of these travel journals by husband and wife give these journals a unique character.

This volume includes the travel logs of Anna and George Ticknor from two journeys to the German Confederation from 1815 to 1817 and from 1835 to 1836. As members of an exclusive social class, the Ticknors enjoyed the privilege of traveling and living for an extended period in the German-speaking world, which conferred much-sought-after cultural and social distinction on them in Boston. A valuable primary source for American and German historians alike, these journals offer insight into the construction of American identities, as well as outside perspectives on German society, culture, and politics in the Age of Goethe. Simultaneously and independently composed by this husband and wife, these journals are the only known case of parallel male and female travel writing, thus affording a unique opportunity to explore gender as a factor in shaping their perceptions. A biographical glossary and extensive explanatory footnotes make this text accessible to a wide audience.

Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Introduction
Chapter 3
Chapter I. A Student Discovers Germany: George Ticknor, 1815?1817
Chapter 4 1. We reached Gottingen, anxious and doubting. Studying Abroad, August 5, 1815?September 10, 1816
Chapter 5 2. A Journey with Edward Everett, September 13?October 25, 1816
Chapter 6 3. Germany. Face of the Country: Youthful Reflections, 1815?1817
Chapter 7 4. One important step nearer to...home. March 22?April 1, 1817
Chapter 8
Chapter II. Cosmopolitan Sojourners in Royal Saxony
Chapter 9 Section I: George Ticknor, 1835?1836
Chapter 10 5. The spires and towers of Dresden were before us. November 12?December 25, 1835
Chapter 11 6. I was presented at Court. December 26, 1835?April 22, 1836
Chapter 12 7. To keep...as distinct an impression as I can. A Summary: April 1836
Chapter 13 8. It was not agreeable to leave Dresden. May 8?June 5, 1836
Chapter 14 Section II: Anna Ticknor, 1835?1836
Chapter 15 9. Safely arrived at this haven of rest. November 10?December 25, 1835
Chapter 16 10. I amused myself with a rehearsal of my dress. December 26, 1835?April 12, 1836
Chapter 17 11. I would fain...give an impression...of this pretty city. April 26?May 8, 1836
Chapter 18 12. Once more travellers! May 10?June 5, 1836