From the author of the beloved novel The Towers of Trebizond, a book about Portugal that is part travelogue, part history and wholly personal.

Rose Macaulay first travelled to Lisbon in March 1943 to escape the misery of London following the death of her lover and loss of her bombed flat. Turning to letters, diaries and travelogues, she brought together the reactions of some of the many Britons who had travelled to Portugal over the centuries, looking to understand why they journeyed there.

Henry Fielding sailed to Portugal with his household in search of a cure for dropsy, jaundice and asthma. The rather more alluring promise of orange-scented and wine-soaked afternoons was what drew fellow novelist William Beckford to its shores. Byron meanwhile was sent into a black rage and wrote vehemently of the country in his poetry.

Rich in detail, ambitious in scope, They Went to Portugal rambles down the centuries, bringing us the voices and experiences of a fascinating cast of characters. From pirate crusaders to ambassadors, from clergymen of all denominations to the port-wine trading pioneers, all are animated by Macaulay’s humour and astute eye.