When the Autostrade del Sole extended south from Naples to the Reggio di Calabria, H.V. Morton seized the chance to explore a part of Italy that was comparatively unknown. He went from the "heel" to the "toe" of Italy and explored the undeveloped rivers of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coastlines, met local peoples and learned about their traditions and folklore, and discovered an Italy not previously exposed to travellers.