The Shores of the Adriatic

Cathedrals, harbour towns and medieval metalwork shape F. Hamilton Jackson's account of the eastern Adriatic coast. Covering Istria and Dalmatia, this illustrated travel study brings together scenery, architecture, archaeology and local customs. Jackson gives particular attention to surviving decorative arts, including goldsmiths' work, while also describing costume and folklore. His route takes in places such as Aquileia, Trieste, Zara, Spalato and Ragusa, with plans, drawings and photographs accompanying the text.

The account of Zara connects the city's buildings and streets with its contested history under Venetian and Hungarian powers. From sieges and negotiations, Jackson turns to narrow lanes, market crowds and the clothing of people arriving from the countryside. Readers interested in historic coastal towns can find both a record of their monuments and a traveller's observations of everyday life. The combination makes this useful reading for those drawn to the relationship between art, place and regional history.