Offenbach en Amérique. Notes d'un musicien en voyage.

Composed at his wife’s suggestion, based on letters and scattered notes written in the course of his lucrative American tour of 1876 (21 April–20 July), this volume consists of a rambling series of brief and highly amusing chapters. Having “sworn to speak as little about [himself] as possible” (pg. 242), Offenbach hints at his American successes only by way of a certain number of newspaper extracts. He prefers to pose as an observer and witness of the wonders awaiting the European traveller in New York or Philadelphia, those vast galleries of marvels: fascinated by American comforts, the luxury of its hotels, the modernity of its transportation, the feats of its industry, Offenbach nevertheless turns ironical when faced with the puritanism and prohibition reigning in the land of liberty, and is disappointed by the feeble place afforded the arts. America “has triumphed over matter”, he concludes, “but forgotten to look after all that can charm the spirit” (p. 62).