And here I must interject a word of caution. When one looks at world cultures through Victorian eyes, one finds oneself getting an unpleasant look at the Victorians themselves. When it came to other peoples and cultures, Victorian travelers and writers were often far from "politically correct," or "sensitive," or even "kind." You're going to find articles in this section that depict Victorian bigotry, prejudice and condescension in all its glory. Victorian writers didn't hesitate to use derogatory language and ethnic slurs in their articles, so be warned. Some of these articles are offensive. (Notice I don't say "may be." They are.)

Nevertheless, slurs and all, some of these articles provide our only historic look at cultures and customs that are gone forever. And it's not all bad news. Just as there were Victorians who felt that everyone else in the world was inferior, there were Victorians who felt that this attitude was narrow-minded, outmoded, and, yes, un-Christian. Those writers strove to portray international peoples as peers and equals, rather than mere curiosities.

This section also brings you articles on international explorations, explorers, travelers and adventurers. It also looks at Britain's colonies around the world, with information on how to emigrate and what to expect from colonial life. One final note: As I mentioned above, countries, names and boundaries have changed since these articles are written. Articles are generally placed in the country that existed at the time of writing rather than what it might be today; hence, for example, you'll find articles on "Nepaul" under "India."

British Colonies The British Colonies (series) Emigration & Colonial Administration Australia Canada India - Travel & Colonial Life India - Native Life, Culture & Customs New Zealand South Africa Other African Colonies & Dependencies Other Colonies Europe Austria, Hungary & the Tyrol Belgium France - Paris France - a Travel Guide France - Life & Culture Germany - a Travel Guide Germany - Life & Culture Greece & Cyprus Holland Italy - a Travel Guide Italy - Life & Culture Italy - Rome Norway Scandinavia - Other Countries Russia - Moscow & St. Petersburg Russia - Travel, Life & Culture Russia - Politics & Controversies Siberia - including George Kennan's "Siberia & the Exile System" Spain & Portugal Switzerland & the Alps Other European Countries Asia/The Far East/The Islands China Japan & Japanese Culture Japanese Art & Literature Other Asian Countries Pacific, Caribbean & South Sea Islands

The Middle East Culture & Travel in the Middle East "The Holy Land" Egypt Morocco, Algeria & Tunis Persia Turkey Latin America Mexico & Central America Pacific, Caribbean & South Sea Islands South America Cuba, Samoa, Puerto Rico & the Philippines • See Victorian America: Territories Expeditions & Explorations Polar Explorations: The Arctic & Antarctic World Explorations & Expeditions • See also Victorian People for biographies of travelers and explorers Customs, Traditions, Crafts & Artifacts Women Around the World Children of the World World Holidays & Festivals Wedding Customs Around the World International Arts, Crafts & Industries World Customs, Folklore & Artifacts World Fairs, Expos & Exhibitions