Amazing observations written about the Spanish people, culture, government, it the time of the 1840s, Richard Ford has uncanny ability to observe, understand, analyze, and then turn his observations into wonderful story. His prose is sharp, witty, and full of great philosophy. As an interesting aside, written at a time when England is very powerful, America young, France despised, the writing gives an insight into British culture as they saw themselves at that time. If you love Spain, if you love truly exciting travel writing, it is worth working through the obscure references in some passages to be amazed at the truly brilliant writing of Richard Ford. Insights into the Spanish that still hold true today and universal insights into travel as an art that will always be true, page after page of great reading.