One day, in the spring of 1958 when Eugene Mackey, III was a sophomore English major in college, his father invited him on a trip to Europe. Mackey Jr., an architect and professor, had studied European architecture, but had never been to Europe. Mackey III., who idolized his father, was thrilled to be his dad's travel companion on this special trip. Rather than take photographs of their travels, Mackey, Jr. decided to sketch their adventure. These beautiful sketches, archived and stored in a box for 55 years, have now been reproduced in this amazing 12 x 12, 120 page book which Mackey, III dedicates to his late father.
Impressions of a European Journey features sketches of every country and city that the Mackeys visited. Starting with the Brussels World Fair, they travelled on to several cities in France, including Verdenal, Chaumont, Dijon, Avallon, Vezelay, Ronchamps, Besancon, Annecy, and Haute Savoie. From France, they went to Italy. Milan, Verona, Vincenza, Venice, Florence, Bologna, Rome and Pisa were on their list of fabulous places to experience. From Italy, they travelled back to France where they saw the amazing cities of Antibes, Nimes, Bourges and of course, Paris... and then, at the end of a fabulous six weeks, they returned home.
Mackey's illustrations are pristine and captivating as he sketches his way across Europe. Whether the reader has a special interest in architecture or is simply interested in seeing amazing sketches of famous landmarks of Europe, Impressions of a European Journey has something to offer everyone.
Adding a personal touch to the sketches in the book are copies of letters which Mackey wrote home every few days to his wife. The letters, which resemble entries in a journal, are clever, entertaining and informative as he describes each and every detail of the travels with his son. With a true flair for writing, and intricate little sketches included in the narrative, Mackey takes the reader along with him as he and his son journey across Europe.
Impressions of a European Journey is a true tribute by a son who admired and loved his father. It not only captures a memorable trip of a lifetime for a young man of 19, it is a journey that changed his life forever. This six week trip in 1958 was the impetus for a son to follow in the footsteps of his father, becoming an architect in his own right.
Readers of all ages and interests will enjoy Impressions of a European Journey, looking at it time and time again, studying the intricate, detailed sketches and admiring not only the incredible artistic talent, but the love and devotion of the father and son relationship.
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