Summary:
"Nasby in Exile" by David Ross Locke is a travel narrative written in the late 19th century. The book details the experiences of the author, who embarks on a six-month journey across various European countries, including England, Ireland, France, and Germany, while observing the local culture and people. The central character is the author himself, traveling under the pseudonym Petroleum V. Nasby, providing a humorous and insightful American perspective on European life and customs. At the start of the book, the author describes the departure aboard the ship "City of Richmond" from New York to Europe, illustrating the bustling atmosphere and diverse mix of passengers. He reflects on the modern comforts of traveling by sea, contrasting them with the romanticized notion of sailors from the past. The narrative is filled with witty observations about fellow travelers, such as a poker-loving young man named Tibbitts and a variety of interesting personalities, all while portraying the trials of sea travel, including an entertaining depiction of sea-sickness. With a humorous tone, the opening sets the stage for the travel adventures and societal critiques that will follow in his exploration of Europe. (This is an automatically generated summary.)