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"Domestic Manners of the Americans" by Frances Milton Trollope is a travelogue written in the early 19th century, where the author recounts her observations and experiences during her journey through America. The narrative, beginning with her family's arrival in New Orleans after a lengthy sea voyage, offers a European perspective on American society during this period. Trollope describes her mixed emotions as she leaves the ocean behind and encounters the muddy Mississippi, reflecting on the stark poverty and challenging conditions of life along the river. She paints a vivid picture of the desolate environment and the initial shock of the new landscape. As she explores different regions, her attention turns to the cultural and social behaviors of the people she meets, particularly focusing on the South. Trollope highlights the diverse communities in New Orleans, including Creoles and Quadroons, and offers a critical look at the societal structures, class distinctions, and the pervasive influence of slavery. Through her sharp observations, the author provides an insightful, if at times harsh, commentary on the manners, values, and customs of American society, contrasting them with her own European sensibilities. The work unfolds as both a travel narrative and a social critique of the time.
About the author
Frances Milton Trollope, also known as Fanny Trollope, was an English novelist born on March 10, 1779, in Stapleton, Bristol, United Kingdom. She wrote under the name Mrs. Trollope or Mrs. Frances Trollope and gained fame for her keen observations of social manners and customs. Her most well-known work is Domestic Manners of the Americans, which offered critical insights from her travels to the United States. This book became an important commentary on American society in the early 19th century, marking her as a significant figure in the literary world. Trollope was married to Thomas Anthony Trollope from 1809 until their separation in 1835, and they had three children: Thomas Adolphus Trollope, Anthony Trollope, and Cecilia Tilley. Her son, Anthony Trollope, would go on to become a well-known novelist in his own right. Frances Trollope spent the later years of her life in Florence, Italy, where she passed away on October 6, 1863, at the age of 84. She is buried in the English Cemetery in Florence. Throughout her life, she was a prolific writer, contributing significantly to the literary and social commentary of her time.
