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“Servants Abroad” unveils the handwritten journals of four British domestic servants who journeyed to continental Europe during the latter half of the eighteenth century. This era is often depicted as the golden age of the ‘Grand Tour’, a travel experience seemingly exclusive to the aristocracy. However, considering that every affluent traveler likely brought along at least one servant, it’s plausible that more individuals experienced this journey as a work period rather than a leisurely rite of passage or an early form of tourism.
For the first time, this unique volume provides access to these firsthand narratives by the overlooked majority, serving as a valuable resource for research and teaching. Accompanied by an insightful introduction and comprehensive annotations, these narratives challenge the traditional perspective of eighteenth-century British travel to continental Europe. Consequently, the ‘Grand Tour’ is redefined as a significant chapter in transnational labour history, and the study of working-class autobiographical writing takes an intriguing new turn.