Rating: Summary: if you only ever read one book read this one Review: a brillant book from start to end. i dont realy read books but this was the best
Rating: Summary: Great companion to the series Review: I found this a terrific companion to the series. It accounts for the journey day-by-day and fills in the gaps left from video editing and government restrictions (there were many areas the camera crew was either not allowed to film or weren't allowed to enter). It also gives a little of the behind-the-scenes to the series, which I always appreciate. Along with all this information, the journal is written much as you'd expect from Michael Palin and is, in itself, an enjoyable travel book.
Rating: Summary: Great companion to the series Review: I found this a terrific companion to the series. It accounts for the journey day-by-day and fills in the gaps left from video editing and government restrictions (there were many areas the camera crew was either not allowed to film or weren't allowed to enter). It also gives a little of the behind-the-scenes to the series, which I always appreciate. Along with all this information, the journal is written much as you'd expect from Michael Palin and is, in itself, an enjoyable travel book.
Rating: Summary: ATWED Revolutionizes the Travel Documentary Review: In 1988, Michael Palin (of Monty Python and "A Fish Called Wanda" fame) set out to recreate the voyage described in Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days". The trip was recorded for a BBC series, but Palin's book stands on its own. The book is a journal written aboard the ships, boats, trains and dog sleds Palin used to make his way from London through Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, America, and the Atlantic Ocean, back to London again. The journal is whimsically illustrated in the manner of a family album: with maps, stamps, ticket stubs and lots of photos.Palin is an excellent tale-teller, and even the delays are good reading. At each port, Palin makes an effort to get to know the place and its inhabitants. The results are always interesting, and often hilarious. My favorite part of the book? Palin's description of the rite of passage he went through upon crossing the International Date Line. He and the other novice sailors donned burlap loin cloths and were forced to pay homage to the god Neptune (really, the ship's electrician). During a particularly extreme portion of the initiation, Palin remarks, "this is worse than being in a Terry Gilliam film". All in all, Palin's "Around the World in 80 Days" was the idea travel book: funny, informative, and in the end, a nail biter! Does Palin make it back to London in time? Do you think I'd actually tell you?!
Rating: Summary: Monty Python's Excellent Adventure Review: In 1988, Michael Palin (of Monty Python and "A Fish Called Wanda" fame) set out to recreate the voyage described in Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days". The trip was recorded for a BBC series, but Palin's book stands on its own. The book is a journal written aboard the ships, boats, trains and dog sleds Palin used to make his way from London through Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, America, and the Atlantic Ocean, back to London again. The journal is whimsically illustrated in the manner of a family album: with maps, stamps, ticket stubs and lots of photos. Palin is an excellent tale-teller, and even the delays are good reading. At each port, Palin makes an effort to get to know the place and its inhabitants. The results are always interesting, and often hilarious. My favorite part of the book? Palin's description of the rite of passage he went through upon crossing the International Date Line. He and the other novice sailors donned burlap loin cloths and were forced to pay homage to the god Neptune (really, the ship's electrician). During a particularly extreme portion of the initiation, Palin remarks, "this is worse than being in a Terry Gilliam film". All in all, Palin's "Around the World in 80 Days" was the idea travel book: funny, informative, and in the end, a nail biter! Does Palin make it back to London in time? Do you think I'd actually tell you?!
Rating: Summary: Right mix of travel and fun Review: One of the best travel books I've ever read. Former Python recreates Around the World in 80 Days, over a hundred years later, but without the help of air travel. It doesn't hurt that Palin seems quite the modest, charming traveler. Watching the trip from his eyes is truly a pleasant experience, highly recommended.
Rating: Summary: Right mix of travel and fun Review: One of the best travel books I've ever read. Former Python recreates Around the World in 80 Days, over a hundred years later, but without the help of air travel. It doesn't hurt that Palin seems quite the modest, charming traveler. Watching the trip from his eyes is truly a pleasant experience, highly recommended.
Rating: Summary: Proving Jules Verne right Review: Probably the best of Palin's travelogues, or maybe I enjoyed it most because it introduced me to his offbeat travel series? I rate it the best because Palin comes in contact with the most cultures in this one. Proof that Palin's comedy does indeed work all over the world. I would pick this one up before Full circle, Hemingway Adventure, Full Circle, Pole to Pole, and Sahara in that order. But you can not go wrong with any of the books, or videos for that matter.
Rating: Summary: a merchandising add-on Review: Surprisingly disappointing. Not so much a companion item, rather a merchandising add-on to cash in on the success of the television series. The book adds nothing new to the tv series, and at times reads as an after thought than a diary of events.
Rating: Summary: Exactly what I've always wanted in a travel book Review: The journal format and Palin's clever, precise and colorful writing makes this one of the best travel books I have ever read. The "80 Days" challenge adds structure and urgency to what is already a fascinating journey.
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