The Surprise of Cremona

Edith Templeton—bohemian aristocrat, accomplished novelist, and widow of the physician to the King of Nepal—wrote this highly individual account of her visit to six northern Italian towns in the early 50s. Enchantingly evocative of the time and places, her vintage narrative is a gem of travel literature. In her new introduction, Anita Brookner offers an insightful, gracefully written analysis of the astringent wit and classic poise of Templeton’s writing.