A diary in America vs What I saw in America: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: Civilization, Description and travel, United States, Travel, Social life and customs

Cover of A diary in America

A diary in America Frederick Marryat · 1839 ★★★★☆ 3.8 300 pages · ≈ 5 h 33 m · Challenging Find on Amazon

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Cover of What I saw in America

What I saw in America Gilbert Keith Chesterton · 1922 ★★★★☆ 3.8 111 pages · ≈ 2 h 03 m · Challenging Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 3.8 vs 3.8 — either is a safe pick by score.
What I saw in America is the quicker read — about 2 hours vs 5 for A diary in America.

Side by side