The amusing experiences of “three women—one young, the others uncertainly older—who land at Genoa and travel through the highways of Italy à la American tourist.” (Nation.) The record of the travels is in the form of letters written by one of the older women to a friend at home.


“Lacks the humor and buoyancy of Mrs. Wiggin’s Penelope stories but has much human interest and reflects considerable culture and appreciation of Italian sights and scenes.”

+ −A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 15. Ja. ’07. S.

“Something of the unfading charm of Italy is caught in the pages of Miss Wharton’s ‘Italian days and ways.’”

+Dial. 41: 452. D. 16, ’06. 170w.
+Lit. D. 33: 857. D. 8, ’06. 80w.

“There is a tendency to enlarge upon trifling incidents, which produces the effect of padding; but the spirit of enthusiastic enjoyment gives a fresh view to old scenes.”

+ −Nation. 84: 153. F. 14, ’07. 210w.

“Her accounts of life in the various towns of Italy are as unhackneyed as they are simple and unaffected.”

+Outlook. 85: 574. Mr. 9, ’07. 50w.