"In "Slow Train to Switzerland," Diccon Bewes shows the 'in the footsteps' genre in a lighter form through a pioneering 1863 trip by the Junior United Alpine Club - seven English men and women whisked through the snowy peaks by Thomas Cook's first organised tour of Helvetia. This adventure marked the beginning of the modern tourism industry. An amusing book not least because of the genteel comedy of manners of the English tourists is an offshoot of the fact that Switzerland to the Victorians was as threateningly exotic as Irian Jaya (West Papua New Guinea) is to us today."--Lawrence Osborne, "The New York Times Book Review" "A unique account of travel in the Swiss Alps, then and now. An entertaining read for lovers of history and travel."--"Library Journal" "Bewes' account pays off in a remarkable story and an unexpected ending."--"Virtuoso Life" magazine "A delightful book...Slow Train to Switzerland is informative, fun, and immensely readable. If you're interested in Switzerland, tourism, or adventures by plucky tourists from Victorian England (or even if you simply enjoy a good read), you're bound to like the book."--Europe for Visitors.com "Bewes has become something of an expert on the Swiss. His first book, Swiss Watching lifted the lid on a country everybody knows of but knows little about. In his latest book, Slow Train to Switzerland he follows in the footsteps of Miss Jemima Morrell, a customer on Thomas Cook's first guided tour in 1863, and discovers how this plucky Victorian woman helped shape the face of modern tourism and Switzerland itself."--"Wanderlust" "Fascinating. Charming. Bewes's breezy prose makes him a pleasant travelling companion."--"The Spectator" (UK) "Very enjoyable. Bewes is a charming guide."--"Geographical Magazine" "Fans of Bill Bryson will find him a kindred spirit."--"The Lady""A brilliant book."--"Bookbag" "I'm certain that even those of us

Diccon Bewes is a travel writer. A world trip set him up for a career in travel writing, via the scenic route of bookselling. After ten years at Lonely Planet and Holiday Which? Magazine, he decamped to Switzerland, where he has until recently managed the Stauffacher English Bookshop in Bern. In addition to grappling with German, re-learning to cross the road properly, and overcoming his desires to form an orderly line, he has spent the last five years exploring this quirky country. Following the incredible success of Swiss Watching he is now a full time writer. See his website at www.dicconbewes.com.