Loitering in Pleasant Paths

"Loitering in Pleasant Paths" by Marion Harland is a travel narrative written in the late 19th century. The book recounts the experiences of an American family traveling through England and Europe with the primary goal of restoring health to one of its members. Through a series of personal reflections, anecdotes, and observations, the author explores cultural contrasts, historical landmarks, and the emotional journey of the protagonists. At the start of the book, the narrator describes their arrival in London on a gloomy day, contrasting the dreary atmosphere with their anticipation for seeing the city’s sights. They share their discomfort with the persistent gray clouds, comparing them to mourning attire. However, the tone shifts as the gloomy weather lifts momentarily, affording them a glimpse of sunlight, which invigorates their spirits. The narrator observes the historical significance of various sites in London and humorously recounts their interactions with locals as they seek historical information about noteworthy events, particularly concerning King Charles I’s execution. This opening portion sets the stage for a journey filled with historical reflections, cultural inquiries, and personal growth amidst the backdrop of the old world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Virginia Terhune, also known by her penname Marion Harland, was an American author who was prolific and bestselling in both fiction and non-fiction genres. Born in Amelia County, Virginia, she began her career writing articles at the age of 14, using various pennames until 1853, when she settled on Marion Harland. Her first novel Alone was published in 1854 and became an "emphatic success" following its second printing the next year. For fifteen years she was a prolific writer of best-selling women's novels, classified then as "plantation fiction", as well as writing numerous serial works, short stories, and essays for magazines.