Books matching: travel and exploration
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'Narrow Road to the Interior: And Other Writings' by Matsuo Basho is a combination of 17th-century travelogue and poetry collection, chronicling the poet's journeys through villages and temples in the northern interior of Japan. Basho's prose descriptions of his travels are interspersed with haiku written along the way, offering a poet's eye view of highlights and insights of his experiences on the road. contains four travelogues, each containing interspersed haiku, providing a deeper purpose beyond mere travel writing as Basho observes and reflects on the natural world around him.
The moon and sun are eternal travelers. Even the years wander on. A lifetime adrift in a boat or in old age leading a tired horse into the years, every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home...- #2
Save:Anthony Doerr's 'Four Seasons in Rome' is a captivating journal chronicling the author's year in Rome with his family. Through vivid descriptions, he brings the city to life, capturing the essence of Rome through its fountains, food, crowds, cathedrals, and crazy traffic. The book beautifully intertwines the challenges of raising twins in a foreign city with the wonder and beauty of Rome, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into the author's life and experiences.
Doerr's writing style shines in this book, as he skillfully paints a picture of Rome that goes beyond mere sightseeing. His ability to immerse readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city, combined with his introspective musings on life, family, and existence, creates a rich and engaging narrative that lingers long after the book is finished.
ITALY LOOMS. WE MAKE CHECKLISTS—DIAPERS, CRIB bedding, a book light. Baby formula. Two dozen Nutri-Grain bars. We have never eaten Nutri-Grain bars in our lives, but now, suddenly, it seems important ... - #3
Save:Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell by Janet Wallach is a biography that delves into the remarkable life of Gertrude Bell, an explorer and expert in Arabian culture and history. The book details Bell's significant contributions following World War I, such as designing the Constitution of Iraq, advising King Faisal, and playing a key role in the establishment of Iraq. Readers found the last third of the book particularly interesting as it provides insights into the political situation in the Middle East and offers a deeper understanding of the region. Janet Wallach's portrayal of Gertrude Bell is described as balanced and honest, making the biography a delightful and informative read.
Great persons, like great empires, leave their mark on history. The greatest empire of all time, the one that stretched over a greater amount of ocean, covered a greater amount of land, contained a gr... - #4
Save:'A Tramp Abroad' by Mark Twain is a travelogue memoir that recounts the author's journey through Europe, focusing on his experiences in Germany and Switzerland. Twain's writing style combines fictional embellishments with autobiographical details, providing a humorous and insightful look at his adventures. The book includes vivid descriptions of landscapes, comical anecdotes of cultural encounters, and witty observations on European customs, all presented with Twain's signature satirical tone.
We stopped at a hotel by the railway station. Next morning, as we sat in my room waiting for breakfast to come up, we got a good deal interested in something which was going on over the way, in front ... - #5
Save:'Into the Heart of Borneo' by Redmond O'Hanlon follows the journey of two British amateur travelers, Redmond O'Hanlon and James Fenton, as they venture into the depths of Borneo in search of the highest mountain and the elusive white Rhino. The narrative is filled with humor, awe-inspiring descriptions of the people and places they encounter, and a blend of adventure and scientific exploration guided by historical jungle explorer predecessors.
The situation in Sarawak as seen by Haddon in 1888 is still much the same today. He found a series of racial strata moving downwards in society and backwards in time as he moved inwards on the island.... - #6
Save:Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum is an autobiographical account of the first man to sail singlehandedly around the world. The book chronicles Slocum's three-year journey, beginning in 1895, where he crossed the Atlantic, navigated through treacherous waters, visited various islands, and ultimately completed a 46,000-mile voyage. Slocum's writing style is described as fluid and straightforward, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in his adventures and experiences at sea. Despite facing numerous challenges, Slocum's narrative is filled with humor, insight into human nature, and a sense of humility that resonates throughout the book.
Failure as a fisherman—A voyage around the world projected—From Boston to Gloucester—Fitting out for the ocean voyage—Half of a dory for a ship's boat—The run from Gloucester to Nova Scotia—A shaking ... - #7
Save:'News From Tartary' by Peter Fleming is a classic travel narrative detailing a 3500-mile journey across central Asia in 1935. The book follows the author's adventures through China during a period of political upheaval, offering insights into the region's history, people, and landscapes. Written with humor, compassion, and keen observation, the book provides a vivid account of the challenges and experiences faced by the travelers as they navigate through various modes of transportation and encounters with different cultures.
Most journeys begin less abruptly than they end, and to fix the true beginning of this one in either time or space is a task which I do not care to undertake. I find it easier to open my account of it... - #8
Save:The Little French Bistro by Nina George follows the story of Marianne Messman, a woman who decides to escape her loveless marriage and embarks on a journey to Kerdruc, a small town in Brittany. Despite her lack of money and French language skills, Marianne's self-discovery impacts the lives of those around her, leading to a tale of rediscovery and personal growth. The book explores themes of starting over, finding oneself, and the power of dreams, set against the backdrop of a charming French town.
Marianne decided to die. Here and now, down below in the waters of the Seine, late on this gray day. On her trip to Paris. There was not a star in the sky, and the Eiffel Tower was but a dim silhouett... In "The Trigger: Hunting the Assassin Who Brought the World to War," author Tim Butcher takes readers on a journey through the life and history of Bosnia Herzegovina, Austro Hungary, and Serbia, focusing on the key character, Gavrilo Princip. The book combines elements of history, travelogue, and journalism, providing insights into the complexities of the region and its impact on global events. Butcher's narrative style weaves together personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and investigative journalism, offering a comprehensive exploration of Princip's story and the broader historical context surrounding him.
The book follows Butcher's quest to retrace Princip's footsteps, from his childhood in Western Bosnia to his radicalized political actions in Serbia that led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Through Butcher's journey, readers are immersed in the rich history of the region, uncovering themes of colonialism, nationalism, and the intricate web of relationships that shaped Princip's motivations. By shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Princip's life and the historical events he influenced, Butcher brings a fresh perspective to a pivotal moment in world history.
In other wars more people have died, more nations been involved and the world brought closer to annihilation, but somehow the First World War retains a dread aura all of its own. The guns fell silent ...- #10
Save:Paul Theroux's 'The Great Railway Bazaar' is a travelogue that follows the author's four-month journey across Asia by train, from London to Japan and back via the Trans Siberian Railway. Theroux explores various countries, encountering a diverse array of people and cultures along the way. The book provides a vivid snapshot of life in Europe and Asia, capturing both the surreal and gritty realism of the landscapes and characters he encounters. Despite Theroux's critical eye and sometimes arrogant tone, the book offers a compelling narrative of train travel through different countries in the early 1970s.
Theroux's writing style is described as witty, engaging, and fast-paced, allowing readers to feel like they are accompanying him on his adventurous railway journey. The author's observations and self-deprecating manner towards the end of his trip add depth to the narrative, providing insights into the historical and cultural context of the places he visits. While some readers find Theroux's misanthropic tendencies and occasional condescension off-putting, others appreciate his ability to bring characters to life and paint vivid portraits of the destinations he explores.
Ever since childhood, when I lived within earshot of the Boston and Maine, I have seldom heard a train go by and not wished I was on it. Those whistles sing bewitchment: railways are irresistible baza...
