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Summary: Review from WOODENBOAT MAGAZINE
Review: "Editions [of SAILING ALONE AROUND THE WORLD] have come and editions have gone, but the slickest to date has just been published. By Shambhala Publications, it has the complete text and some of the original illustrations, yet it is only 3" x 4.5". Shambhala calls it a 'Pocket Classic,' and indeed it is--no bigger than my wallet, though, at 445 pages, thicker--perfect for the seabag on a pocket cruiser. Here's hoping the publisher applies the format to other great sea stories."--Peter Spectre, WoodenBoat Magazine
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Summary: The book to read when you can't afford to go anywhere
Review: I first read Slocum's account ... while riding ... on a ferryboat. My experience with boating is basically limited to... that ferry ride,... I certainly cannot review "Alone" on any sort of technical level. I just know that it's the ideal escape fantasy. Here Slocum travels the world on his own terms, emphasizing all the pleasures of reading on an empty sea by day, while making the difficult parts (the storms, the pirates) seem like amusing diversions. The leaden 19th century prose is probably the biggest obstacle to enjoying the book. A narrative of the same journey written today would be far more action-oriented. However, the reader can fill in the parts that Slocum makes seem harmless -- the illnesses, the fear of sudden death, the near madness after 70 days alone on the Pacific -- for a truer taste of just how harrowing the voyage must really have been. And then there's always the pleasure of dining with island governors, and the hobnobbing with celebrity (Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson has a large role), and unintentional amusement as Slocum describes, and bypasses, the island where a recent series of "Survivor" was filmed. When the nautical urge strikes me, this is the book I read.
Rating:
Summary: The book to read when you can't afford to go anywhere
Review: I first read Slocum's account ... while riding ... on a ferryboat. My experience with boating is basically limited to... that ferry ride,... I certainly cannot review "Alone" on any sort of technical level. I just know that it's the ideal escape fantasy. Here Slocum travels the world on his own terms, emphasizing all the pleasures of reading on an empty sea by day, while making the difficult parts (the storms, the pirates) seem like amusing diversions. The leaden 19th century prose is probably the biggest obstacle to enjoying the book. A narrative of the same journey written today would be far more action-oriented. However, the reader can fill in the parts that Slocum makes seem harmless -- the illnesses, the fear of sudden death, the near madness after 70 days alone on the Pacific -- for a truer taste of just how harrowing the voyage must really have been. And then there's always the pleasure of dining with island governors, and the hobnobbing with celebrity (Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson has a large role), and unintentional amusement as Slocum describes, and bypasses, the island where a recent series of "Survivor" was filmed. When the nautical urge strikes me, this is the book I read.
Rating: 
Summary: An Outstanding book even tho I am not a sailor
Review: a most interesting story that reads like a novel. I was initially concerned about the technology of the book,but I have to admit that once I got started I couldn't put it down. You do not have to be a sailor to enjoy every word of it.
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Summary: Superb seamanship plus a synoptic view of the world in 1895
Review: Although renowned at the time, Slocum has become a little-known American hero. The narrative in his book is direct, a working sailor's plain narrative of events, difficulties and dangers encountered. The book is also a fascinating glimpse into a world that has passed, since it's a single person's view of the whole world as he encountered it directly at the turn of the last century. Slocum met a number of prominent historical figures on his voyage: his assessment of President Kruger, who truly believed the world to be flat, is a gem.
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Summary: A touching love story between father and son
Review: An emotionally moving book that is for anyone with any knowledge of sailing or small boat handling, who has ever dreamed of taking a voyage beyond the safety of land. You expernience the reality of life at sea. More than that, this book is for anyone who has experienced the love of a child or parent. On a voyage that the father had looked forward to all his life, he (David Hays) steps aside and lets his son (Daniel Hays) cross under the Horn first. A truly selfless expression of love for a child. Buy it, read it, share it. A great book.
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Summary: Elegant writing style
Review: As interesting today as it was at the turn of the century, Slocum's account is witty and compelling.
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Summary: Fascinating solo sailing adventure
Review: First, I loved the format of the book. Small as a child's book, it was easily kept in my purse for reading at odd available moments. Second, I had to read every paragraph several times to visualize the winds, waves, sail set, and plans of the solo captain. I passed this book on to a friend who was as intriqued as I was. I would recommend to any sailor as an addition to his permanent library.
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Summary: From Shambhala
Review: I first heard of SAILING ALONE AROUND THE WORLD from my grandfather, an avid weekend sailor, who spent as much time as he could possibly could on his 30-foot boat "Jamais". During the extended periods of time when he couldn't get away from his work and other responsibilities, he often turned to Slocum's masterpiece for inspiration and a good blast of salt air. Thinking of the joy that the book brought to my grandfather was the main inspiration for the pocket-size (or "dittybag-size") unabridged Shambhala edition , set in clear type yet small enough to keep in briefcase or purse or desk drawer when a reminder of Slocum's vision and the open sea is called for. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we've enjoyed publishing it.
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Summary: A true story AND good literature
Review: I first read this book when I was nine years old. I have re-read this book many times since then during various stages of adulthood. It is a good book, well written, and a joy to make part of one's life. Slocum's clarity of thought and vivid descriptions are wonderful to study and consider. Today, world travellers must equip themselves lavishly with things. Slocum equiped himself with little materially. He was lavishly equiped with intelligence, the ability to take action on knowledge. He colorfully demonstrates the ability to solve problems through forethought. Could that be good guidance?
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