On the Hotel at Palma and a Proposed Guide-Book
The book is a travelogue that combines humor and satire to describe the author's experiences at a hotel in Palma, Spain. It critiques the social conventions of the time, particularly those related to class and morality. The narrative is presented in a series of vignettes, each focusing on a different aspect of life at the hotel.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1902 · Genre: Travel Literature, Satire, Essay · 1,992 words
First lines
The hotel at Palma is like the Savoy, but the cooking is a great deal better. It is large and new; its decorations are in the modern style with twiddly lines. Its luxury is greater than that of its London competitor. It has an eager, willing porter and a delightful landlord. You do what you like in it and there are books to read. One of these books was an English guide-book. I read it. It was full of lies, so gross and palpable that I told my host how abominably it traduced his country, and advised him first to beat the book well and then to burn it over a slow fire. It said that the people were superstitious -- it is false. They have no taboo about days; they play about on Sundays. They have no taboo about drinks; they drink what they feel inclined (which is wine) when they feel inclined (which is when they are thirsty). They have no taboo book, Bible or Koran, no damned psychical rubbish, no damned "folk-lore," no triply damned mumbo-jumbo of social ranks; kind, really good, simple-minded dukes would have a devil of a time in Palma. Avoid it, my dears, keep away. If anything, the people of Palma have not quite enough superstition. They play there for love, money, and amusement. No taboo (talking of love) about love.
What this Textopian page supports
On the Hotel at Palma and a Proposed Guide-Book is listed on Textopian as an essay by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Travel Literature, Satire, Essay, Humor, Cultural Commentary
- Length: 1,992 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Travel Literature — The text is centered around travel experiences, observations of places, and critiques of guidebooks.
- Satire — The narrative employs humor and exaggeration to critique existing guidebooks and societal norms.
- Essay — The work is structured as a reflective and opinionated piece on travel and guidebooks.
- Humor — The writing style is light-hearted and humorous, with witty observations and anecdotes.
Tags
Travelogue · Non-fiction · Essay · Literary criticism · Satire · Social commentary · Humor · Wit · Observation · Description · Critique · Sarcasm