{"product_id":"a-time-of-gifts","title":"A Time of Gifts","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eINTRODUCED BY JAN MORRIS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1933, at the tender age of eighteen, Patrick Leigh Fermor embarked on a remarkable year-long journey on foot from the Hook of Holland to Istanbul. Decades later, he penned \u003ci\u003eA Time of Gifts\u003c\/i\u003e, a dazzlingly original and evocative narrative of the first part of this epic trek through Europe. This literary masterpiece takes readers on a vivid journey that starts from the Low Countries, up the Rhine, through Germany, down the Danube, and across Austria and Czechoslovakia to the edge of Hungary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFermor's adventures began with only a rucksack, a sturdy pair of hobnailed boots, and a meager allowance of one pound a week. His initial plan was to live rough, in the manner of a tramp, a pilgrim, or a wandering scholar. However, a fortunate meeting in Bavaria opened doors that led to nights spent in grand castles, indulging in the hospitality of Europe's elite, providing a fascinating glimpse into the old world of princes and peasants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Time of Gifts\u003c\/i\u003e celebrates both the coming-of-age of a young man and the soul of a continent teetering on the brink of imminent upheaval. Through Fermor's eyes, we witness the splendour of Europe's resplendent domes, monasteries, and grand cities, all against the backdrop of a continent soon to be transformed by war, modernisation, and societal change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHailed universally as a timeless classic, \u003ci\u003eA Time of Gifts\u003c\/i\u003e is not merely a travelogue but an enriching exploration and a passionate love letter to the continent's rich cultural heritage. Fermor immerses readers in architecture, art, genealogy, and history with an infectious enthusiasm that portrays his unique cultural awakening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'[This] gloriously ornate account of that epic journey is a classic' – ROBERT MACFARLANE\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'The feeling of being lost in time and geography with months and years hazily sparkling ahead is a prospect of inconjecturable magic.'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Not only is this journey one of physical adventure but of cultural awakening. Architecture, art, genealogy, quirks of history and language are all devoured -- and here passed on -- with a gusto uniquely his' – COLIN THUBRON, \u003ci\u003eSUNDAY TIMES\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'One of the most romantic books of the twentieth century, Patrick Leigh Fermor's account of a long walk across Europe is also a literary treasure, a rich blend of action and observation' – \u003ci\u003eGUARDIAN\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Gardners Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45711102312684,"sku":"9781529369526","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781529369526.jpg?v=1725971181","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/products\/a-time-of-gifts","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}