Imagine sitting in a Sevillian café in the early 1900s, listening to a sharp, witty journalist tell you stories about his city. That's the feeling you get from this book. It's a compilation of Manuel Chaves Rey's newspaper articles, so there's no single narrative. Instead, it's a vibrant mosaic. One chapter might explore the history of a crumbling convent, the next could be a sharp observation about a new fashion trend, and another might recount a local legend whispered for generations. He jumps from ancient Roman ruins to the latest political scandal, all with the ease of someone who knows every cobblestone and every character in town.

Why You Should Read It

This book is special because Chaves Rey writes with such personality. You can hear his voice—sometimes nostalgic, sometimes critical, always deeply affectionate. He isn't just listing facts; he's having a conversation with the city's past and present. The 'new and old things' of the title aren't just objects; they're the tensions of a place in flux. Reading it, you see how the weight of history presses on daily life. The characters aren't fictional creations, but the butchers, nuns, aristocrats, and street vendors he observed. It makes history feel immediate and personal, not something locked away in a museum.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves travel writing, urban history, or just great storytelling. If you've been to Seville, it will deepen your connection immeasurably. If you haven't, it's a brilliant, intimate guide. It’s not a dry history text; it's a series of lively, insightful essays from a writer who was truly a part of the world he described. Think of it as a long, fascinating letter from the past, and you're the lucky recipient.