One for the armchair traveller and the adventurer who has scaled K2 and swum the Bosphorus. Like a long train journey, once you settle in there's a lot to enjoy. Gripping The Times Dazzling ... like someone panning for gold, Theroux reread hundreds of travel classics and modern works, shaking out the nuggets. A source of inspiration for prospective travelers and a guide to how, in Theroux's view, to travel properly San Fransisco Chronicle Pure entertainment Financial Times A real treat for anyone travelling Guardian One of the best introductions to travelling and travel writing Sunday Times

Paul Theroux's highly acclaimed books include Dark Star Safari, Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Riding the Iron Rooster, The Great Railway Bazaar, The Old Patagonian Express, Fresh Air Fiend and The Elephanta Suite. The Mosquito Coast and Dr Slaughter have both been made into successful films. Paul Theroux is also a frequent contributor to magazines, and divides his time between Cape Cod and the Hawaiian islands.