Charles Stuart Forbes

Unver nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1861.

Unver nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1861.

The nineteenth century saw an influx of British travellers to Iceland, drawn by growing interest in its saga literature or by the potential for scientific discovery offered by its volcanic and glacial landscapes. Charles Stuart Forbes (1829–76), an officer in the Royal Navy, was one of these adventurers. In this work, first published in 1860, he gives a vivid and detailed account of his journeys across the island, conveying his wonder at its natural phenomena and sharing his observations on its history, culture and way of life. A fervent supporter of Garibaldi, Forbes went on to publish in 1861 The Campaign of Garibaldi in the Two Sicilies (also reissued in this series). While making little reference here to the growing movement for independence from Denmark, the present work, written with colour and wit, remains an engaging source of information on Iceland.

A lieutenant in the Royal Navy who served in South America, the Crimea and China, Charles Stuart Forbes (1829–76) was one of the many Englishmen who volunteered to support Giuseppe Garibaldi during the Risorgimento. Garibaldi (1807–82) was an immensely popular figure in England, often being identified with English heroes of the past. Streets, food and clothing were named in his honour, while Queen Victoria commented that he was 'honest, disinterested and brave'. Published in 1861, Forbes' work tells, mostly through letters, of the progress of the last territorial conquest before the creation of the Kingdom of Italy. From Forbes we learn something of the messianic character attributed to Garibaldi: 'I have many times been told, in all sincerity by the peasants, that he is the brother of the Redeemer.' This remains a valuable first-hand account of some of the most important events in the founding of modern Italy.