adventures encountered along the way. The opening of the book introduces the unique charm of Stevenson’s travel writing, distinct from his better-known adventure and historical novels, emphasizing the pleasures and challenges of slow travel off the beaten path. It begins with several prefaces—first from a literary scholar praising Stevenson’s gentle, artistic approach to travel, and then Stevenson himself, who sets a modest tone for his work and acknowledges the companionship of his friend. As the narrative begins, Stevenson and la Cigarette launch their canoes from Antwerp, immediately experiencing the quirks of weather, unfamiliar customs, and the hospitality and oddities of local inns and people. The story rapidly settles into a rhythm of picturesque details, personal reflection, and lighthearted social commentary, as the pair paddle from town to town, encountering everyone from skeptical customs officials to curious children, always with Stevenson’s playful wit and an eye for life’s ironies and delights. (This is an automatically generated summary.)