Travels in Greece, Palestine, Egypt, and Barbary, during the years 1806 and 1807

the long version

A memoir of the author's life while he was researching and writing a religious history called Les Martyrs, ou le Triomphe de la Religion Chretienne. The introduction includes the history of Athens and Sparta and an inquiry into religious traditions related to Jerusalem--specifically, the authenticity of claims made by religious tourists, such as visiting the actual tomb of Christ. The text of the diary is full of literary references and adventure. Unlike other travel diaries, the narrative flow is more like a novel and the entries are not just lists of weather reports, food, pretty sights, and some funny anecdotes. Since the author had a research purpose during his time there, Travels in Greece has a protagonist with a purpose.