World Book Day: Celebrating Context Travel Experts' Literary Gems

At Context Travel, our mission thrives on connecting curious travelers to the world’s richest histories and cultures, and our experts embody that through their tours and their writing.

From medieval Prague to Renaissance Florence, their works distill years of research and boots-on-the-ground experience into volumes that inform and inspire. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to a handful of these remarkable minds and the books they’ve crafted—each a portal to the cities they guide you through.

Ready to dive into their literary gems? Let’s turn the page.

Art & Architecture

Discover the beauty of canvases, buildings, and gardens through these guides’ eyes. From the intricate designs of Renaissance gardens to the vibrant brushstrokes of Impressionist masterpieces, the hidden angels adorning Parisian architecture, and the bold innovations of abstract art, these works by passionate historians and artists reveal the beauty and meaning behind canvases, buildings, and landscapes.

Theresa Potenza – Creating and Contemplating the Renaissance Garden – This book by Theresa, an art historian in Rome, explores how fifteenth and sixteenth-century Italian gardens, particularly Medici villas, used geometric design and sensory experiences to reflect Renaissance thought, theological meaning, and the evolving understanding of human dignity and nature’s role in connecting man to the divine.

Sally Kalmbach – The Jewel of the Gold Coast: Mrs. Potter Palmer’s Chicago & Mrs. Thorne’s World of Miniatures – Sally is a historian and fourth-generation Chicagoan. The Jewel of the Gold Coast: Mrs. Potter Palmer’s Chicago chronicles Bertha Honore Palmer’s reign as the “Queen” of Chicago society from 1870 to 1918, detailing her transformative impact on the city’s social scene, her leadership at the 1893 Columbian Exposition, and her pivotal role in building the Art Institute’s renowned Impressionist collection, complete with 55 illustrations of the opulent Gold Coast mansions, including the Palmer “Castle”; meanwhile, Mrs. Thorne’s World of Miniatures explores Narcissa Niblack Thorne’s lifelong passion for miniatures, which evolved into a globally recognized collection of intricately detailed miniature rooms—68 of which are permanently displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago—serving as educational tools for architecture and design students and also featured in the Phoenix and Knoxville Art Museums. Explore Chicago with Sally on our Chicago Architecture Tour.

Rosemary Flannery – Angels of Paris: An Architectural Tour Through the History of Paris – Angels of Paris by Parisian artist Rosemary Flannery is the first book to explore the enchanting presence of angels sculpted throughout Paris, from atop the Théâtre du Châtelet to a gilded sundial at the Sorbonne, capturing their subtle role in the city’s romantic spirit through stunning dawn-to-dusk photographs and detailed stories about their creation, artistic trends, and historical contexts from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. Organized chronologically, the book uncovers Paris’s history, buildings, and monuments through angels found in friezes, fountains, and rooftops, offering lovers of the city a unique and surprising way to deepen their connection to its cultural tapestry. 

Other Notable Works:

Sara Magister – Caravaggio. Il vero Matteo. Ediz. illustrata (Italian) – Art historian in Rome Sara Magister reinterprets Caravaggio’s The Calling of St. Matthew, identifying the “true” Matthew as the young man at the table’s end, using light to depict his struggle between sin and salvation for 1600 Jubilee pilgrims, with illustrations and historical context.

Laure-Caroline Semmer – Five books on Cezanne and Impressionism – Art historian in Paris Laure-Caroline books explore art history: Lire la peinture de Cézanne (2006) analyzes Cézanne’s innovative works; Les œuvres clés de l’Impressionnisme (2007) traces Impressionism’s impact through masterpieces; L’Art Abstrait (2010) examines abstract art’s evolution; Paul Gauguin (2018) highlights Gauguin’s vibrant, multi-disciplinary art; and Toulouse-Lautrec (2019) captures the bohemian Post-Impressionist’s Parisian nightlife depictions, all richly illustrated.

History

Step back in time with tales of conquest, revolution, and resilience, exploring ancient Scotland’s Roman clashes, South Africa’s colonial slavery, Australia’s early convict-Aboriginal ties, and America’s evolving landmarks from Revolution to civil rights.

Alan Montgomery – Classical Caledonia, Walking the Antonine Wall, and The Road to Mons Graupius – Alan Montgomery, a historian with a deep passion for Scotland’s Roman past, offers a captivating trilogy of books that explore the ancient landscapes and history of Caledonia. In Classical Caledonia, Montgomery examines the Roman perception of Scotland, delving into the cultural and historical interactions between the Romans and the indigenous tribes, shedding light on a region often overlooked in classical studies. Walking the Antonine Wall chronicles his 38-mile journey along the second-century Roman frontier from east to west Scotland, blending travel memoir with historical analysis as he uncovers the wall’s enigmatic remains, from Rough Castle to Bar Hill, and reflects on its significance through 2,000 years of Scottish history. The Road to Mons Graupius follows his most recent quest to trace the route of Gnaeus Julius Agricola’s first-century invasion of northern Britain, culminating in the elusive Battle of Mons Graupius, exploring ancient monuments, Roman roads, and Tacitus’s account while pondering Scotland’s complex identity as both a colonized and colonizing nation. Uncover Roman London with Alan on a full-day private tour.

Joline Young – An Uncomfortable Paradise – Historian, researcher, and author in Cape Town, Joline uncovers the overlooked history of slavery in Simon’s Town, a South African port city along Cape Town’s False Bay Coast, revealing the human stories of enslaved people, “slave-holders,” indigenous groups, “prize negroes,” “Liberated Africans,” “Free Blacks,” and West African Krumen, whose lives intertwined in the town’s heritage buildings and naval dockyard, while the author’s archival journey leads to a surprising discovery about a man named Cornelius September.

Mark Dunn – The Convict Valley – This award-nominated novel by Sydney historian Mark Dunn traces the Hunter Valley’s first 50 years after five convicts escaped Sydney in 1790, were taken in by an Aboriginal clan, and began families, exploring the complex relationships between convicts, landowners, and Aboriginal families who resisted or adapted to European settlement through subtle survival strategies, as revealed through extensive primary research. 

Charlene Mires – Independence Hall in American Memory – This novel by Philadelphia historian & certified guide Charlen Mires uncovers the lesser-known history of this iconic American landmark, revealing its evolving role over three centuries as a civic center, courtroom, and stage for cultural and political events—from hosting artists like Thomas Sully in the 1790s to fugitive slave hearings in the 1850s and civil rights protests in the 1960s—highlighting its complex significance beyond its Revolutionary origins.

Other Notable Works:

William Jordan – The Normandy American Cemetery  – Part of the Pitkin Guides series, this book honors the two million Americans who landed on Normandy's beaches in 1944-45 to liberate Europe during World War II, focusing on the Colleville-Saint-Laurent cemetery where many now rest. Historian William Jordan explores the cemetery's history and its role as a lasting tribute to the Allied forces' sacrifices in defeating Fascism, offering a reflective guide for visitors to this sacred site.

Pablo Vazquez Gestal - UNA NUEVA MAJESTAD: Felipe V, Isabel de Farnesio y la identidad de la monarquía (1700-1729) (Spanish) - Felipe V broke from Bourbon and Spanish royal traditions, reshaping the monarch's public role. To indulge personal interests, he created a private court sphere and empowered his second wife, Queen Isabel de Farnesio, to wield greater publish authority. This book explores how Spanish court culture transformed in the early 18th century, fostering a new concept of majesty.

Food & Drink

Savor the flavors of culture through cuisine and brews with these delectable reads, where passionate food writers and historians uncover the stories behind every dish and pint. Journey to Italy’s heart with classic recipes from Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, or explore Milan’s culinary scene through a celebrated collaboration. Sip your way through London’s vibrant beer culture, discovering the city’s best pubs and brews, and trace Boston’s rich food history, from its early taverns to modern dining.

Patrizia Cantini – 100 Recipes from Tuscany and Emilia Romagna – Food and wine journalist and Florentine Native Patrizia shares 100 traditional Italian recipes, inspired by her cooking classes and family heritage, featuring meat, fish, vegetarian, and children’s dishes, iconic desserts like tiramisu, and a dedicated section on fresh pasta, which she celebrates as a joyful, creative act that adds zest to meals. Cook with Patrizia in Florence on our Florence Market Tour and Cooking Class. 

Sara Porro – Giuseppino – Milan’s award-winning food writer teams up with Joe Bastianich who recounts his evolving relationship with Italy—from childhood resentment of his family’s heritage to a deep love sparked by exploring Montalcino and Milan as a teen, traveling the country post-university, and later becoming a beloved, unconventional judge on MasterChef.

Des de Moor – The CAMRA Guide to London’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars – Local guide, award-winning author, and international beer judge Des de Moor offers a detailed guide to London’s top beer spots, organized by area, with venue listings, opening hours, transport links, and tasting notes for British and international beers, alongside insights into the city’s historic and modern brewing scene, plus indexes for pubs near museums, attractions, and Olympic venues.

Jim O’Connell – Dining Out in Boston: A Culinary History – Local guide and teacher at Boston University Jim O’Connell explores over two centuries of Boston’s culinary history, highlighting its pioneering role in hotel dining, oyster houses, French cuisine, and locavore trends, with stories of beloved restaurants, illustrated by historic menus and photos, offering a unique perspective on American food culture. 

Other Notable Works:

Myriam Sabolla – The Bagel Company (Italian) – Food writer and cook Myriam Sabolla has published four books. The Bagel Company traces the bagel’s journey from its 17th-century Polish origins to its rise as a versatile street food in the U.S., exploring its sweet, savory, vegetarian, and vegan variations, while capturing the warm, New York-inspired atmosphere of The Bagel Company’s eateries through stories, recipes, and photos.

Yoko Inagaki – YOKO (Dutch cookbook) - YOKO by Yoko Inagaki and Christel van Bree is a Dutch cookbook blending Japanese recipes like miso-karamel scones with stories of Osaka foodie Yoko's culinary journey, featuring traditional ingredients, cultural insights, photos, and visits to miso farms, capturing Japan's heritage and modern flavors. 

Travel & Guides

Pack these books for your next adventure—or let them inspire one—as they guide you through London’s vibrant streets, Nice’s hidden gems, Oxford’s historic paths, Madrid’s cultural treasures, Florence’s accessible wonders, and Paris’s local charm, with insights into Gaudí’s Catalan Art Nouveau and more.

Rob Humphreys – The Rough Guide to London (10th ed.) – Author and historian of this best-selling travel guide, Rob knows pretty much everything about London. This vibrant, full-color guide to the city features photos of iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and attractions like Olympic Park, markets, and museums, with detailed maps, practical tips, and chapters on hotels, restaurants, pubs, entertainment, shopping, and kids’ activities to help travelers explore London fully.

Jeanne Oliver – Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City – Local storyteller Jeanne Oliver reveals Nice’s hidden stories through seven self-guided walking tours, covering Old Town, Castle Hill, Port Lympia, Cimiez, Promenade des Anglais, West Nice, Promenade du Paillon, and Quartier des Musiciens, with 218 compact pages of maps, local lore, and cultural insights. Experience Nice with Jeanne on our Full Day French Riviera Tour.

Victoria Bentata – Oxford City Walks – Graduate of Oxford University and local guide Victoria Bentata, Oxford City Walks offers 15 self-guided walking tours exploring iconic sites like Oxford Castle and University colleges, plus hidden gems from Jericho to Blenheim Palace, with maps, historical anecdotes, and photos highlighting the city’s academic, Jewish, and scientific history.

Cornelia Danielson – The Accessible Guide to Florence – This book by art historian and mother of a disabled child Cornelia Danielson addresses the city’s accessibility challenges for wheelchair users, slow walkers, and those with dietary or sensory needs, offering practical solutions like finding accessible restrooms, gluten-free dining, tactile museum experiences, wheelchair rentals, and accessible hotels, paths, and elevators, including in the Uffizi and Boboli Gardens.

Sandrine Voillet – Sandrine’s Paris – Sandrine’s Paris by art historian Sandrine Voillet explores 400 years of Parisian history, from the Renaissance to Mitterand’s Grands Projets, blending travelogue, cultural history, and a guide to hidden gems, with over 100 stunning images capturing the City of Lights’ evolution through its people and events.

Other Notable Works:

Tate Cabré – Various Gaudí and Catalan Art Nouveau guides (Catalan/Spanish) - Her books, including Barcelona: 50 Wonders of Catalan Art Nouveau, delve into the city's iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familía and Park Güell, blending historical insight with a passion for Catalonia's cultural identity. Her most recent work, the official Art Nouveau guidebook published by Barcelona's City Hall, offers an authoritative journey through the city's Modernista treasures, inviting readers to uncover the organic beauty and innovative spirit of this architectural era. 

Culture & Society

Explore the human stories behind the places we love, from Tokyo’s kawaii pop culture and rural Japan’s farming revival to Kyoto’s Buddhist insights on crisis care.

Manami Okazaki – Japanese Kokeshi Dolls – Kawaii, the Culture of Cute by Manami Okazaki explores traditional Japanese Kokeshi dolls, detailing their craftsmanship, cultural significance in Tohoku, and modern appeal as collector’s items, with interviews, photos, and travel tips for visiting kokeshi regions and buying from artisans, highlighting their role in post-2011 tsunami rebuilding efforts. Manami has written 13 books on Japanese culture, including Kawaii, the Culture of Cute, Takumi, Downtown Tokyo Japanese Artisans, Land of the Rising Cat, and Japan's Best Friend.Culture of Cute, Takumi, Downtown Tokyo Japanese Artisans, Land of the Rising Cat, and Japan's Best Friend.

Niccolo Lollini – Becoming a Farmer in Contemporary Japan – This book examines the challenges new farmers face in Japan—land, skills, capital, and markets—through ethnographic fieldwork in an agricultural cooperative, exploring rural revitalization, agrarian policy, and Japan’s evolving agrifood system from a comparative perspective.

Nathan Michon – Refuge in the Storm: Buddhist Voices in Crisis Care – Refuge in the Storm by Nathan Jishin Michon, a Shingon Buddhist priest, compiles 24 perspectives on crisis care, providing Buddhist practices to support communities facing issues like climate chaos and racism, while aiding care providers with mindfulness and self-care to prevent burnout. Learn about Shinto & Buddhism spirituality with Nathan on our Spirituality in Kyoto Tour.

Other Notable Works:

Cristina Gregorin – Venice Master Artisans (English or Italian) – Venice Master Artisans by Cristina Gregorin, with photographs by Norbert Heyl, is a beautifully illustrated exploration of Venice’s traditional craftsmanship, profiling thirty artisans—including painters, sculptors, gondola makers, and glassblowers—who uphold centuries-old techniques dating back to the 13th-century Venetian guilds. The book delves into the history of each craft, offering a glimpse into the artisans’ studios and workshops, and captures the cultural significance of their work in preserving Venice’s artistic heritage, making it an essential read for those enchanted by the city’s timeless artistry.

For Kids

Spark young imaginations with these lively children’s books by expert historians. Discover Pompeii through fun facts and experiments, explore Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel with vivid illustrations, or adventure in Venice with interactive games. Blending history and creativity, these engaging reads make learning an exciting journey for kids and teens.

Fiorella Squillante - Pompeii is Cool! - This book by Naples art historian Fiorella Squillante is an engaging guide for kids and teens, packed with fun facts about Roman life in Pompeii before and after Vesuvius’ 79 AD eruption. It includes vivid illustrations, maps, three experiments, a Roman recipe, and a sketchbook for creating art. This book uses an inclusive font for all readers, including dyslexics. The book also offers two itineraries for visiting Pompeii, empowering young readers to lead tours confidently. See Pompeii with Fiorella on our Pompeii Day Trip for Kids from Naples Tour.

Jade Bajeot - Michelangelo and the Dream of the Sistine Chapel - This book, written by Context archaeologist Jade Bajeot, is an illustrated book for kids, exploring Michelangelo’s creation of the iconic Sistine Chapel masterpiece. It highlights the challenges he faced, from his apprenticeship to working with Pope Julius II. Clear text sparks curiosity about the paintings’ meanings and the fresco technique, detailing wall preparation, pigments, and daily work. Evocative images complement the story, showing art as a tangible result of skill and effort. The book also covers the recent restoration, deepening appreciation for this cultural treasure.

Monica Latini - Play Venice - This is a fun, engaging book designed to introduce children to Venice’s iconic landmarks. Through interactive activities, colorful illustrations, and simple text, it explores the city’s history, art, and culture, including places like St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal. The guide encourages kids to learn while playing, with games, quizzes, and creative tasks that make discovering Venice an exciting adventure for young explorers.

This World Book Day, we celebrate the power of stories to transport us—whether through the intricate designs of Renaissance gardens, the hidden histories of colonial cities, or the vibrant flavors of global cuisines. Each book penned by Context Travel’s expert guides is a gateway to the destinations we love. As you turn these pages, let the tales of art, history, food, and culture spark your curiosity and inspire your next journey with us. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring Paris’s angelic architecture or savoring Tuscany’s culinary traditions, there’s a story here to guide you. Which book will you pack for your next adventure? Let’s write the next chapter of your travels together!