An critical and benevolent view on Spain: Le voyage en Espagne et en Algérie by Jacques Boucher de Perthes (1859)

Abstract

The archeologist and philanthropist Jacques Boucher de Perthes travelled in Spain in 1855. The value of the chronicle he published in 1859 lies above all in the way this practical mind considers the country’s economic situation and the local costums. Being convinced of the French superiority, he does stigmatize the poor quality of the transport system, deplores a general apathy and complains about the lack of hygiene. However, he puts the blame on bad governance and considers the Spanish people with benign indulgence.