Enter the former residence of celebrities

Author: Che Jixin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: This is a beautifully illustrated and crafted book, collecting dozens of short essays written by the author during their European journey. The author visits the homes of famous Europeans like Dante, Shakespeare, Rembrandt, Goethe, and Churchill, delving into their life journeys. It presents not only sturdy castles, exquisite sculptures, and lush pastoral landscapes but also the author's reflections on the ideals, beliefs, and spirits of these figures. The stunning images bring visual pleasure and enjoyment, reminding one of another book, "European." Every person who has been to Europe or plans to visit should prepare themselves spiritually for such an experience. A famous person's home, a hill, a vineyard—perhaps, that is the soul of Europe. "Walking into Famous Person's Homes" is a beautifully crafted book newly published by Shandong Fine Arts Publishing House. Author Che Jixin spent a year traveling across Europe, and this book does not showcase the beautiful and majestic natural scenery of Europe but instead follows the author as they seek out famous person's homes. He lingers before these homes, reflecting on the life paths of these figures, offering many precious insights. Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of Shakespeare. This great playwright lost his education at the age of 13, became a small laborer, and later joined a theater troupe where he faced disdainful looks. Amidst daily toil, Shakespeare devoted himself to his dramatic creations. His contributions in life were great, but who knew he had a difficult childhood, a troubled middle age, and a challenging later life? Similarly, at Newstead Abbey, Byron lost his father at the age of three. His father, John, was a gambling addict who accumulated massive debts, leaving Byron with neither fatherly nor motherly love from a young age. Born with a limp, Byron endured countless humiliations. Yet, undeterred by his physical disabilities, Byron, through perseverance, became one of Europe's greatest poets. Another great British writer, Lawrence, was the son of a miner. Growing up in the midst of his parents' arguments, the frail Lawrence paid a harder price to achieve success. Leonardo da Vinci spent four years and his entire life's effort painting the "Mona Lisa." He spent his entire life wandering, to the point of never marrying. Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister who received the Nobel Peace Prize, Churchill, not only faced political storms but also family discord. His mother remarried twice, and his stepfathers were only two and three years younger than him, respectively. Despite being a filial son, Churchill, under societal pressure, repeatedly blessed his mother. At Dante's home, Goethe's home, Dickens' home, and Darwin's home, every traveler can hear the stories of the hardships and pains experienced by these famous figures. This is perhaps the charm of "cultural tourism"!