First published in 1766, the British novelist Smolett (like many who came after him) writes of the travails and wonder of travel on the continent. The irascible writer, recovering from the death of his daughter, argues and fulminates his way through France and Italy. Called the first modern travelogue, it's a portrait of social life, politics, customs, religion -- and of the writer's state of mind -- that takes the form of a series of letters back home to Merry Olde England.  (EUR124, $24.95)

The 86 Greatest Travel Books of All Time