From sketch-book and diary

"From Sketch-Book and Diary" by Elizabeth Butler is a travel memoir written in the early 20th century. The work offers a vivid account of Butler’s travels in Ireland, Egypt, and Italy, reflecting on the beauty of landscapes, the charm of local cultures, and the significant impressions these experiences left on her memory. The narrative combines personal reflection with keen observation, showcasing not only the places she visits but also the characters and communities she encounters along the way. The opening of the memoir introduces Butler's journey to Glenaragh in County Kerry, Ireland, describing the breathtaking beauty of the Wild West landscape. She conveys her sense of wonder in encountering rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, and the warmth of local life, interspersed with anecdotes about the people and animals in the region. Through detailed descriptions, Butler invites readers to appreciate the freshness of the scenery and its contrasts with human struggles. This opening portion sets the stage for her subsequent adventures, promising a blend of observational detail and personal sentiment throughout her travels. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Elizabeth Southerden Thompson, later known as Lady Butler, was a British painter who specialised in painting scenes from British military campaigns and battles, including the Crimean War and the Napoleonic Wars. Her notable works include The Roll Call, The Defence of Rorke's Drift, and Scotland Forever!. She wrote about her military paintings in an autobiography published in 1922: "I never painted for the glory of war, but to portray its pathos and heroism."She married British Army officer William Butler, becoming Lady Butler after he was knighted.