02984cam a22003853u 4500 75917 UtSlPG 20260610134745.0 m cr n 260607r20251900utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG fr iso639-1 PR Stevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894 An inland voyage. French A la pagaïe Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2025 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2025-04-20 Claudine Corbasson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica)) “A la pagaïe : sur l’Escaut, le canal de Willebroeck, la Sambre et l’Oise” by Robert Louis Stevenson is a travel narrative written in the late 19th century. This book recounts Stevenson’s journey by canoe through rivers and canals in Belgium and northern France, accompanied by his friend, affectionately called “la Cigarette.” The main focus lies in the leisurely and often humorous observations of landscapes, local people, and the small but meaningful adventures encountered along the way. The opening of the book introduces the unique charm of Stevenson’s travel writing, distinct from his better-known adventure and historical novels, emphasizing the pleasures and challenges of slow travel off the beaten path. It begins with several prefaces—first from a literary scholar praising Stevenson’s gentle, artistic approach to travel, and then Stevenson himself, who sets a modest tone for his work and acknowledges the companionship of his friend. As the narrative begins, Stevenson and la Cigarette launch their canoes from Antwerp, immediately experiencing the quirks of weather, unfamiliar customs, and the hospitality and oddities of local inns and people. The story rapidly settles into a rhythm of picturesque details, personal reflection, and lighthearted social commentary, as the pair paddle from town to town, encountering everyone from skeptical customs officials to curious children, always with Stevenson’s playful wit and an eye for life’s ironies and delights. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Originally published: Paris: Emile Chevalier, 1900 France -- Description and travel Stevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894 -- Travel -- France Scots -- France -- History -- 19th century Angellier, Auguste, 1847-1911 Crane, Walter, 1845-1915 Lemaire, Lucien, 1862-1924 https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k3718849/f4.item https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/75917 116642 116642