Travels in Kamtchatka and Siberia

An Irish-born adventurer in Russian service, Peter Dobell (1772–1852) embarked in 1812 on a long journey from Kamchatka to Tomsk, across Siberia. He also lived for several years in China. Published in 1830, this lively two-volume account of his travels includes observations on the peoples and cultures he encountered.

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An Irish-born adventurer in Russian service, Peter Dobell (1772–1852) embarked in 1812 on a long journey from Kamchatka across Siberia to Tomsk. This two-volume work, first published in 1830, contains a detailed and idiosyncratic account of his journey, painting an affectionate picture of the region and its people. The narrative includes ethnographic observations, descriptions of nights spent with local families, notes on the wildlife encountered, and discussion of the problems caused by the weather. Dobell also lived in China for many years, and his remarks on the experience are incorporated into the work. He gives opinionated observations on topics such as Chinese society, traditions, trade and medicine. Again, this narrative reflects Dobell's instinctive curiosity and enthusiasm. Volume 1 covers the first half of the journey, starting in Kamchatka and ending in Yakutsk.