Coming Down the Seine

The River Books

by Robert Gibbings

Irish author and illustrator Robert Gibbings traces the Seine River down from its source, recounting the story in anecdotal form the people and places he finds along the way. Engravings by the author.

Genres: Travel, France, Nonfiction, Natural History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

Robert Gibbings was an Irish artist and author who was most noted for his work as a wood engraver and sculptor, and for his books on travel and natural history.

Reviews

[Slurry222 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, old-fashioned read.

[Frank Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a book of this title requires, it starts where the river springs and ends where it loses itself in the English Channel; but Robert Gibbings – celebrated as much for his wood engravings as for his writerly skills – makes plenty of extemporaneous excursions. Caves are a particular favourite, especially if they’re filled with prehistoric art or even better, wines of an excellent vintage.

This is the last of Gibbings’ river books. The first, ‘Sweet Thames run softly’ (1940) struck a kind of pre-nostalgic nerve in a country on the brink of war, anxious about what it might lose in the process.

The Seine book came out in 1953, and features plenty of references to broken bridges and shot-up cathedrals; but otherwise exudes more bonhomie and joie de vivre than can probably be found in France today. Every other Frenchman Gibbings encounters seems intent on offering him free advice, help, lodging, food, all washed down with an excellent bottle fresh from their personal wine cellar. Fat chance of that still happening in 2021.

[Sophy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully lyrical reverie on a slow sojourn down the Seine in a randomly small boat!

The writing is typical of an Irishman; lilting conversation, stories, folklore legends. I imagine speaking to Robert Gibbings would be like a night out to an Irish bar, where one tale leads to another, and before you know it, you're 6 hours and 8 pints of Guinness in!!

Some beautiful poetry, prose, quotations, and observations on the slow living nature of rural France and indeed Paris.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Malcolm Balster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an interesting book of its time. Somewhat pretentious but some of the stories he relates are interesting. It does relate to a France I have never known.

[esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

this man may singlehandedly start my non-fiction era.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely read with beautiful engravings accompanying the text. While in paperback, I will keep it and read it again as his voice is lovely and the subject matter very interesting.

[Abbey Holladay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful. Will search out more of Gibbings travel books. His prose style was very relaxing, humorous, evocative of another time...

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite entertaining ! He did jump about a bit and go off course.

[Ken Conant · Rating 3 out of 5]

choppy and not too interesting

[Cheryl Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author's artistic sensibility was apparent throughout the description of his travels in France in the early 1950s. It definitely captured the time and place. Both charming and erudite.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Robert Gibbings, full of anecdotes culled along the way. The author takes us from the source of this mighty French River, all the way down to the river mouth at Le Havre. Witty and entertaining, always with an eye for the absurd or folkloric, Gibbings is a passed master with both his pen and the engraving tools he employs to create his marvellous illustrations.

[Richard Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for the first time I am forced to correct the posted data on a book my RU edition was published in 1955 the posted data says 1988! That corrected ,this is a wonderful account of one of Europe's most beautiful river's.Very fine writing and gorgeous illustrations.Recommended.
R.E.Craig