A classic which has endured for over 100 years, 23 Nov 2007
After spending years commanding large merchant vessels, Capt Joshua Slocum completely rebuilds a 37 foot yacht and sets sail around the world in it. Slocum's grasp of the English language is exemplary as he describes his single-handed voyage around the world. The book is a fascinating insight into life 100 years ago when sailors were unable to use electronics for navigation, meteorology or helming and vessesls had to sail around the Capes as the "shortcut canals" (Panama and Suez) had not yet been constructed.



An understated epic of seamanship and adventure, 25 May 2004
I share other reviewers' enthusiasm for this book, but for me astonishment and admiration are the dominant emotions it evokes. At an age when most of us are ready to start taking it easy, and long before the days of modern aids to navigation and survival, Captain Slocum cobbles together his tiny boat and sets off around the world single-handed, braving wild seas and fending off wilder but barefoot natives with tin tacks scattered on the deck. Don't look for any modern angst or self-revelation as to why he decided to do it, or what drove him to persist when, for instance, it took him exhausting weeks of battling to get round the Horn. The whole saga is so quietly told that the man's huge competence, sagacity and sheer fortitude emerge only slowly. I'm no sailor, but this is one sailing book that I will always keep to hand for inspiration.

The best part of Slocum is, his life's based on a true story, 06 Nov 1998
I have read any number of books by small boat sailors, but never have I enjoyed one more than this. Why? I love success stories, and Capt. Slocum was the sort who assured his success before he set out. He anticipated, and prepared for every contingency, and he succeeded in spite of doubters. But, what really sets the book apart is its language and the scope of knowledge of this third-grader. I gave most my other 'sea' books away, but will keep this one forever.

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

A classic which has endured for over 100 years, 23 Nov 2007
After spending years commanding large merchant vessels, Capt Joshua Slocum completely rebuilds a 37 foot yacht and sets sail around the world in it. Slocum's grasp of the English language is exemplary as he describes his single-handed voyage around the world. The book is a fascinating insight into life 100 years ago when sailors were unable to use electronics for navigation, meteorology or helming and vessesls had to sail around the Capes as the "shortcut canals" (Panama and Suez) had not yet been constructed.



An understated epic of seamanship and adventure, 25 May 2004
I share other reviewers' enthusiasm for this book, but for me astonishment and admiration are the dominant emotions it evokes. At an age when most of us are ready to start taking it easy, and long before the days of modern aids to navigation and survival, Captain Slocum cobbles together his tiny boat and sets off around the world single-handed, braving wild seas and fending off wilder but barefoot natives with tin tacks scattered on the deck. Don't look for any modern angst or self-revelation as to why he decided to do it, or what drove him to persist when, for instance, it took him exhausting weeks of battling to get round the Horn. The whole saga is so quietly told that the man's huge competence, sagacity and sheer fortitude emerge only slowly. I'm no sailor, but this is one sailing book that I will always keep to hand for inspiration.

The best part of Slocum is, his life's based on a true story, 06 Nov 1998
I have read any number of books by small boat sailors, but never have I enjoyed one more than this. Why? I love success stories, and Capt. Slocum was the sort who assured his success before he set out. He anticipated, and prepared for every contingency, and he succeeded in spite of doubters. But, what really sets the book apart is its language and the scope of knowledge of this third-grader. I gave most my other 'sea' books away, but will keep this one forever.

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Great book, couldn't put it down!, 02 Sep 2008
Fran's extraordinary story captivated me from beginning to end. Entertaining, witty, (it had me laughing out loud) and superbly written. It's a fascinating account of a journey through 'real' Africa.
An excellent book, I'd highly recommend it.

compelling, 27 Jun 2008
Fran is an ordinary person, like you or me, who had an idea and decided to live that idea - not just read about it. Working hard, saving even harder he managed to get to Africa and begin the adventure.

The story is told with great humor and humility and its one of those books that is hard to put down. This is certainly a book that I will keep and read again and again.


great book, 18 May 2008
This is a great book, it's been a while since i read something that genuinely made me laugh out loud. It was a great introduction to the stories of the great explorers as well. Opened a new door of interest for me. Full marks fran sandham.


Here Be Lions (and a donkey), 21 Apr 2008
It's hard to read many travel books without a sense of 'Why? Why are you putting yourself through all this?' and Traversa is no exception. Those who sit at home may not understand what drives some people to these lengths, but that doesn't stop us lapping it up and asking for more.

In this enthralling book, Sandham brings his solo walk from the aptly-named Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean to life. He comes across, variously, as courageous, determined, bloody-minded, and completely insane. By the end of the book, it's easy to feel, as he does, that he has earned his right to be in Africa, even among people so poor that a man who has scrimped, saved and given up chocolate biscuits to be there, is immeasurably rich.

Throughout, Sandham places his experiences in a historical context, evoking the horror of being preserved from shipwreck only to die of thirst, the shame and waste of the slave trade, and butchery in wars over territory that match anything Europe has achieved in that line. As his traversa progresses, he moves from a theoretical understanding of Africa to a genuine affection for the place and its people.

The book is filled with dry self-deprecation and humour--there's a disastrous donkey, and we can only imagine Sandham's problems with his mule, as he declines to go into details--and some of the characters he meets are portrayed as so much larger than life that there's a temptation to believe they're imaginary. Perhaps the best example of the man's courage is when, having invested time, effort and money in a donkey (diseased), a donkey-cart (beautifully painted), and a mule (disobedient), he's able to walk away from all three. Many people would have persisted even in the face of so much discouragement, but Sandham knows when to cut his losses. He probably wouldn't have made it across Africa without that knowledge.

Apart from the not-so-tame domestic animals, there's lions. Real, live, traveller-eating lions. Fortunately, the threat they pose is more perceived than actual; some people have been eaten, but Sandham gets through. There's also explosive diarrhea, a very unpleasant, if probably inevitable, attack of malaria, and, of course, blisters. Yet day after day, he gets up, and gets going. Even after side trips to investigate mules or donkeys, he insists on being driven back to the point where he stopped walking, so he can start again. He knows when he's idled somewhere too long, and somehow gets himself going. There's no cheating on this journey, even though the temptations must have been enormous.

This book entertained and saddened me by turns, and I heartily recommend it--reading what Sandham has to say is the only way even partially to answer the question, 'Why?'.

Great stuff - more please!, 31 Mar 2008
I loved this book. I'm easily irritated by the somewhat superior tone adopted by some travel writers but Traversa made a refreshing change. As well as the sense of adventure, for me it was the humour that made it a real page turner.

A classic which has endured for over 100 years, 23 Nov 2007
After spending years commanding large merchant vessels, Capt Joshua Slocum completely rebuilds a 37 foot yacht and sets sail around the world in it. Slocum's grasp of the English language is exemplary as he describes his single-handed voyage around the world. The book is a fascinating insight into life 100 years ago when sailors were unable to use electronics for navigation, meteorology or helming and vessesls had to sail around the Capes as the "shortcut canals" (Panama and Suez) had not yet been constructed.



An understated epic of seamanship and adventure, 25 May 2004
I share other reviewers' enthusiasm for this book, but for me astonishment and admiration are the dominant emotions it evokes. At an age when most of us are ready to start taking it easy, and long before the days of modern aids to navigation and survival, Captain Slocum cobbles together his tiny boat and sets off around the world single-handed, braving wild seas and fending off wilder but barefoot natives with tin tacks scattered on the deck. Don't look for any modern angst or self-revelation as to why he decided to do it, or what drove him to persist when, for instance, it took him exhausting weeks of battling to get round the Horn. The whole saga is so quietly told that the man's huge competence, sagacity and sheer fortitude emerge only slowly. I'm no sailor, but this is one sailing book that I will always keep to hand for inspiration.

The best part of Slocum is, his life's based on a true story, 06 Nov 1998
I have read any number of books by small boat sailors, but never have I enjoyed one more than this. Why? I love success stories, and Capt. Slocum was the sort who assured his success before he set out. He anticipated, and prepared for every contingency, and he succeeded in spite of doubters. But, what really sets the book apart is its language and the scope of knowledge of this third-grader. I gave most my other 'sea' books away, but will keep this one forever.

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Great book, couldn't put it down!, 02 Sep 2008
Fran's extraordinary story captivated me from beginning to end. Entertaining, witty, (it had me laughing out loud) and superbly written. It's a fascinating account of a journey through 'real' Africa.
An excellent book, I'd highly recommend it.

compelling, 27 Jun 2008
Fran is an ordinary person, like you or me, who had an idea and decided to live that idea - not just read about it. Working hard, saving even harder he managed to get to Africa and begin the adventure.

The story is told with great humor and humility and its one of those books that is hard to put down. This is certainly a book that I will keep and read again and again.


great book, 18 May 2008
This is a great book, it's been a while since i read something that genuinely made me laugh out loud. It was a great introduction to the stories of the great explorers as well. Opened a new door of interest for me. Full marks fran sandham.


Here Be Lions (and a donkey), 21 Apr 2008
It's hard to read many travel books without a sense of 'Why? Why are you putting yourself through all this?' and Traversa is no exception. Those who sit at home may not understand what drives some people to these lengths, but that doesn't stop us lapping it up and asking for more.

In this enthralling book, Sandham brings his solo walk from the aptly-named Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean to life. He comes across, variously, as courageous, determined, bloody-minded, and completely insane. By the end of the book, it's easy to feel, as he does, that he has earned his right to be in Africa, even among people so poor that a man who has scrimped, saved and given up chocolate biscuits to be there, is immeasurably rich.

Throughout, Sandham places his experiences in a historical context, evoking the horror of being preserved from shipwreck only to die of thirst, the shame and waste of the slave trade, and butchery in wars over territory that match anything Europe has achieved in that line. As his traversa progresses, he moves from a theoretical understanding of Africa to a genuine affection for the place and its people.

The book is filled with dry self-deprecation and humour--there's a disastrous donkey, and we can only imagine Sandham's problems with his mule, as he declines to go into details--and some of the characters he meets are portrayed as so much larger than life that there's a temptation to believe they're imaginary. Perhaps the best example of the man's courage is when, having invested time, effort and money in a donkey (diseased), a donkey-cart (beautifully painted), and a mule (disobedient), he's able to walk away from all three. Many people would have persisted even in the face of so much discouragement, but Sandham knows when to cut his losses. He probably wouldn't have made it across Africa without that knowledge.

Apart from the not-so-tame domestic animals, there's lions. Real, live, traveller-eating lions. Fortunately, the threat they pose is more perceived than actual; some people have been eaten, but Sandham gets through. There's also explosive diarrhea, a very unpleasant, if probably inevitable, attack of malaria, and, of course, blisters. Yet day after day, he gets up, and gets going. Even after side trips to investigate mules or donkeys, he insists on being driven back to the point where he stopped walking, so he can start again. He knows when he's idled somewhere too long, and somehow gets himself going. There's no cheating on this journey, even though the temptations must have been enormous.

This book entertained and saddened me by turns, and I heartily recommend it--reading what Sandham has to say is the only way even partially to answer the question, 'Why?'.

Great stuff - more please!, 31 Mar 2008
I loved this book. I'm easily irritated by the somewhat superior tone adopted by some travel writers but Traversa made a refreshing change. As well as the sense of adventure, for me it was the humour that made it a real page turner.

Antidote for Mid Life Crises, 18 Nov 2007
Well, it won't really solve your mid-life crisis, unless it inspires you to do something just as crazy. Her father must be one interesting guy, pushing his daughter into single-handing the world with so little sailing experience. She talks about him a lot, and his adventures sound like they're worth gathering up into book form.

I keep buying it for my friends., 08 Apr 1999
The original edition, which included pictures of the voyage, was better. Even so, this is a fantastic and inspiring book about an incredible adventure. I first read it a year ago and, ever since, have been buying it for friends in the hope that it will make as much difference to their outlook as it did to mine.

I agree with the rest, an excellent travel memoir., 28 Jan 1999
Tania's unpretentious story is fun, inspirational, and nail-biting. It's nice to have an author open up the way Tania does about herself, her family, and relationships; strengths and fears.

A"must read"for any true sailor., 17 Sep 1998
I have read this book twice now & can only say I fall in love with Tania & all her friends each time I read it.If only we could all enter adult hood this way.

This is a perfect summer read! Take it to the beach!, 23 Jul 1998
Tania takes you with her on her exciting voyage. Tania's detailed account of her adventure will bring out the explorer within you. She is a remarkable young woman that will inspire you. Take this book to the beach this summer and marvel at the ocean's power and romance.

A classic which has endured for over 100 years, 23 Nov 2007
After spending years commanding large merchant vessels, Capt Joshua Slocum completely rebuilds a 37 foot yacht and sets sail around the world in it. Slocum's grasp of the English language is exemplary as he describes his single-handed voyage around the world. The book is a fascinating insight into life 100 years ago when sailors were unable to use electronics for navigation, meteorology or helming and vessesls had to sail around the Capes as the "shortcut canals" (Panama and Suez) had not yet been constructed.



An understated epic of seamanship and adventure, 25 May 2004
I share other reviewers' enthusiasm for this book, but for me astonishment and admiration are the dominant emotions it evokes. At an age when most of us are ready to start taking it easy, and long before the days of modern aids to navigation and survival, Captain Slocum cobbles together his tiny boat and sets off around the world single-handed, braving wild seas and fending off wilder but barefoot natives with tin tacks scattered on the deck. Don't look for any modern angst or self-revelation as to why he decided to do it, or what drove him to persist when, for instance, it took him exhausting weeks of battling to get round the Horn. The whole saga is so quietly told that the man's huge competence, sagacity and sheer fortitude emerge only slowly. I'm no sailor, but this is one sailing book that I will always keep to hand for inspiration.

The best part of Slocum is, his life's based on a true story, 06 Nov 1998
I have read any number of books by small boat sailors, but never have I enjoyed one more than this. Why? I love success stories, and Capt. Slocum was the sort who assured his success before he set out. He anticipated, and prepared for every contingency, and he succeeded in spite of doubters. But, what really sets the book apart is its language and the scope of knowledge of this third-grader. I gave most my other 'sea' books away, but will keep this one forever.

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Great book, couldn't put it down!, 02 Sep 2008
Fran's extraordinary story captivated me from beginning to end. Entertaining, witty, (it had me laughing out loud) and superbly written. It's a fascinating account of a journey through 'real' Africa.
An excellent book, I'd highly recommend it.

compelling, 27 Jun 2008
Fran is an ordinary person, like you or me, who had an idea and decided to live that idea - not just read about it. Working hard, saving even harder he managed to get to Africa and begin the adventure.

The story is told with great humor and humility and its one of those books that is hard to put down. This is certainly a book that I will keep and read again and again.


great book, 18 May 2008
This is a great book, it's been a while since i read something that genuinely made me laugh out loud. It was a great introduction to the stories of the great explorers as well. Opened a new door of interest for me. Full marks fran sandham.


Here Be Lions (and a donkey), 21 Apr 2008
It's hard to read many travel books without a sense of 'Why? Why are you putting yourself through all this?' and Traversa is no exception. Those who sit at home may not understand what drives some people to these lengths, but that doesn't stop us lapping it up and asking for more.

In this enthralling book, Sandham brings his solo walk from the aptly-named Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean to life. He comes across, variously, as courageous, determined, bloody-minded, and completely insane. By the end of the book, it's easy to feel, as he does, that he has earned his right to be in Africa, even among people so poor that a man who has scrimped, saved and given up chocolate biscuits to be there, is immeasurably rich.

Throughout, Sandham places his experiences in a historical context, evoking the horror of being preserved from shipwreck only to die of thirst, the shame and waste of the slave trade, and butchery in wars over territory that match anything Europe has achieved in that line. As his traversa progresses, he moves from a theoretical understanding of Africa to a genuine affection for the place and its people.

The book is filled with dry self-deprecation and humour--there's a disastrous donkey, and we can only imagine Sandham's problems with his mule, as he declines to go into details--and some of the characters he meets are portrayed as so much larger than life that there's a temptation to believe they're imaginary. Perhaps the best example of the man's courage is when, having invested time, effort and money in a donkey (diseased), a donkey-cart (beautifully painted), and a mule (disobedient), he's able to walk away from all three. Many people would have persisted even in the face of so much discouragement, but Sandham knows when to cut his losses. He probably wouldn't have made it across Africa without that knowledge.

Apart from the not-so-tame domestic animals, there's lions. Real, live, traveller-eating lions. Fortunately, the threat they pose is more perceived than actual; some people have been eaten, but Sandham gets through. There's also explosive diarrhea, a very unpleasant, if probably inevitable, attack of malaria, and, of course, blisters. Yet day after day, he gets up, and gets going. Even after side trips to investigate mules or donkeys, he insists on being driven back to the point where he stopped walking, so he can start again. He knows when he's idled somewhere too long, and somehow gets himself going. There's no cheating on this journey, even though the temptations must have been enormous.

This book entertained and saddened me by turns, and I heartily recommend it--reading what Sandham has to say is the only way even partially to answer the question, 'Why?'.

Great stuff - more please!, 31 Mar 2008
I loved this book. I'm easily irritated by the somewhat superior tone adopted by some travel writers but Traversa made a refreshing change. As well as the sense of adventure, for me it was the humour that made it a real page turner.

Antidote for Mid Life Crises, 18 Nov 2007
Well, it won't really solve your mid-life crisis, unless it inspires you to do something just as crazy. Her father must be one interesting guy, pushing his daughter into single-handing the world with so little sailing experience. She talks about him a lot, and his adventures sound like they're worth gathering up into book form.

I keep buying it for my friends., 08 Apr 1999
The original edition, which included pictures of the voyage, was better. Even so, this is a fantastic and inspiring book about an incredible adventure. I first read it a year ago and, ever since, have been buying it for friends in the hope that it will make as much difference to their outlook as it did to mine.

I agree with the rest, an excellent travel memoir., 28 Jan 1999
Tania's unpretentious story is fun, inspirational, and nail-biting. It's nice to have an author open up the way Tania does about herself, her family, and relationships; strengths and fears.

A"must read"for any true sailor., 17 Sep 1998
I have read this book twice now & can only say I fall in love with Tania & all her friends each time I read it.If only we could all enter adult hood this way.

This is a perfect summer read! Take it to the beach!, 23 Jul 1998
Tania takes you with her on her exciting voyage. Tania's detailed account of her adventure will bring out the explorer within you. She is a remarkable young woman that will inspire you. Take this book to the beach this summer and marvel at the ocean's power and romance.

Not bad at all, 01 May 2008
I really liked this book - each chapter is on a different city so it's easy to dip in and out of, and the suggestions for books to read and films to watch before visiting each place is a really good idea. No maps or photos, but she really gives a sense of each place, and the best way to meet other people there. Also, although it's a 'solo girl' travel guide, it's just as good to use if you're heading somewhere in a group, and want something other than Lonely Planet or Let's Go. I'd just knock one star off as a lot of the tours and accommodations she suggests are not really for the budget traveler.

A classic which has endured for over 100 years, 23 Nov 2007
After spending years commanding large merchant vessels, Capt Joshua Slocum completely rebuilds a 37 foot yacht and sets sail around the world in it. Slocum's grasp of the English language is exemplary as he describes his single-handed voyage around the world. The book is a fascinating insight into life 100 years ago when sailors were unable to use electronics for navigation, meteorology or helming and vessesls had to sail around the Capes as the "shortcut canals" (Panama and Suez) had not yet been constructed.



An understated epic of seamanship and adventure, 25 May 2004
I share other reviewers' enthusiasm for this book, but for me astonishment and admiration are the dominant emotions it evokes. At an age when most of us are ready to start taking it easy, and long before the days of modern aids to navigation and survival, Captain Slocum cobbles together his tiny boat and sets off around the world single-handed, braving wild seas and fending off wilder but barefoot natives with tin tacks scattered on the deck. Don't look for any modern angst or self-revelation as to why he decided to do it, or what drove him to persist when, for instance, it took him exhausting weeks of battling to get round the Horn. The whole saga is so quietly told that the man's huge competence, sagacity and sheer fortitude emerge only slowly. I'm no sailor, but this is one sailing book that I will always keep to hand for inspiration.

The best part of Slocum is, his life's based on a true story, 06 Nov 1998
I have read any number of books by small boat sailors, but never have I enjoyed one more than this. Why? I love success stories, and Capt. Slocum was the sort who assured his success before he set out. He anticipated, and prepared for every contingency, and he succeeded in spite of doubters. But, what really sets the book apart is its language and the scope of knowledge of this third-grader. I gave most my other 'sea' books away, but will keep this one forever.

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Great book, couldn't put it down!, 02 Sep 2008
Fran's extraordinary story captivated me from beginning to end. Entertaining, witty, (it had me laughing out loud) and superbly written. It's a fascinating account of a journey through 'real' Africa.
An excellent book, I'd highly recommend it.

compelling, 27 Jun 2008
Fran is an ordinary person, like you or me, who had an idea and decided to live that idea - not just read about it. Working hard, saving even harder he managed to get to Africa and begin the adventure.

The story is told with great humor and humility and its one of those books that is hard to put down. This is certainly a book that I will keep and read again and again.


great book, 18 May 2008
This is a great book, it's been a while since i read something that genuinely made me laugh out loud. It was a great introduction to the stories of the great explorers as well. Opened a new door of interest for me. Full marks fran sandham.


Here Be Lions (and a donkey), 21 Apr 2008
It's hard to read many travel books without a sense of 'Why? Why are you putting yourself through all this?' and Traversa is no exception. Those who sit at home may not understand what drives some people to these lengths, but that doesn't stop us lapping it up and asking for more.

In this enthralling book, Sandham brings his solo walk from the aptly-named Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean to life. He comes across, variously, as courageous, determined, bloody-minded, and completely insane. By the end of the book, it's easy to feel, as he does, that he has earned his right to be in Africa, even among people so poor that a man who has scrimped, saved and given up chocolate biscuits to be there, is immeasurably rich.

Throughout, Sandham places his experiences in a historical context, evoking the horror of being preserved from shipwreck only to die of thirst, the shame and waste of the slave trade, and butchery in wars over territory that match anything Europe has achieved in that line. As his traversa progresses, he moves from a theoretical understanding of Africa to a genuine affection for the place and its people.

The book is filled with dry self-deprecation and humour--there's a disastrous donkey, and we can only imagine Sandham's problems with his mule, as he declines to go into details--and some of the characters he meets are portrayed as so much larger than life that there's a temptation to believe they're imaginary. Perhaps the best example of the man's courage is when, having invested time, effort and money in a donkey (diseased), a donkey-cart (beautifully painted), and a mule (disobedient), he's able to walk away from all three. Many people would have persisted even in the face of so much discouragement, but Sandham knows when to cut his losses. He probably wouldn't have made it across Africa without that knowledge.

Apart from the not-so-tame domestic animals, there's lions. Real, live, traveller-eating lions. Fortunately, the threat they pose is more perceived than actual; some people have been eaten, but Sandham gets through. There's also explosive diarrhea, a very unpleasant, if probably inevitable, attack of malaria, and, of course, blisters. Yet day after day, he gets up, and gets going. Even after side trips to investigate mules or donkeys, he insists on being driven back to the point where he stopped walking, so he can start again. He knows when he's idled somewhere too long, and somehow gets himself going. There's no cheating on this journey, even though the temptations must have been enormous.

This book entertained and saddened me by turns, and I heartily recommend it--reading what Sandham has to say is the only way even partially to answer the question, 'Why?'.

Great stuff - more please!, 31 Mar 2008
I loved this book. I'm easily irritated by the somewhat superior tone adopted by some travel writers but Traversa made a refreshing change. As well as the sense of adventure, for me it was the humour that made it a real page turner.

Antidote for Mid Life Crises, 18 Nov 2007
Well, it won't really solve your mid-life crisis, unless it inspires you to do something just as crazy. Her father must be one interesting guy, pushing his daughter into single-handing the world with so little sailing experience. She talks about him a lot, and his adventures sound like they're worth gathering up into book form.

I keep buying it for my friends., 08 Apr 1999
The original edition, which included pictures of the voyage, was better. Even so, this is a fantastic and inspiring book about an incredible adventure. I first read it a year ago and, ever since, have been buying it for friends in the hope that it will make as much difference to their outlook as it did to mine.

I agree with the rest, an excellent travel memoir., 28 Jan 1999
Tania's unpretentious story is fun, inspirational, and nail-biting. It's nice to have an author open up the way Tania does about herself, her family, and relationships; strengths and fears.

A"must read"for any true sailor., 17 Sep 1998
I have read this book twice now & can only say I fall in love with Tania & all her friends each time I read it.If only we could all enter adult hood this way.

This is a perfect summer read! Take it to the beach!, 23 Jul 1998
Tania takes you with her on her exciting voyage. Tania's detailed account of her adventure will bring out the explorer within you. She is a remarkable young woman that will inspire you. Take this book to the beach this summer and marvel at the ocean's power and romance.

Not bad at all, 01 May 2008
I really liked this book - each chapter is on a different city so it's easy to dip in and out of, and the suggestions for books to read and films to watch before visiting each place is a really good idea. No maps or photos, but she really gives a sense of each place, and the best way to meet other people there. Also, although it's a 'solo girl' travel guide, it's just as good to use if you're heading somewhere in a group, and want something other than Lonely Planet or Let's Go. I'd just knock one star off as a lot of the tours and accommodations she suggests are not really for the budget traveler.

Polar Dream - Reviewed by Someone who it Inspired, 16 Jan 2003
I read this book and it changed my life! I couldnt put it down, it scared the life out of me and when I finished it I was determined to travel to the North Magnetic pole. My dream was realised within 2 years of reading the book.

The book pulls no punches about what polar travel in that part of the world is like - living and travelling in teeth shattering cold weather, the constant threat of polar bears, the astounding desolate beauty of that part of the world.

Both the outdoor and armchair adventurer will find this a great read. Those who have never read an adventure book will find it enlightening. Those with an interest in polar travel will get a real feel for what its like and the demands on your nerves, mind, body and hygiene!
Its also an inspiration that shows that someone , through preparation and perseverance, can achieve what was initially thought impossible. What a great read!

great book, 05 Apr 1999
this book is great! it shows that men arnt the only ones that have endurance

This is a great true adventure story for everyone., 28 Jan 1999
Helen Thayer is an amazing woman who inspires us to overcome negative thoughts when faced with difficult challenges. Her adventure is fascinating and exciting. I had a hard time putting this book down. My wife and children have all read this book and loved it too. If you want an exciting true-life adventure story, this is the one. Very inspirational and motivational.

This book makes far flung adventure seem possible., 01 Dec 1998
Many other books in this genre make the exploits of the adventurers seem almost super-human. Helen Thayer takes the reader on the journey with her. As I read the story of her incredible journey to the magnetic north pole, I found myself considering adventures for my own life. Here we have a woman who freely admits to her fears and disappointments, yet presses on. She makes adventure seem possible, even for us mortals. When most of us read a book like this one, I think we are looking for just that." Tell me that I can do what I have only dreamed of doing before. Don't lie to me. Tell me that the going will be tough. But show me that challenges can be overcome." I believe that qualifies as inspiration. We all could use a dose of this kind of insiration.

Inspirational, true life adventure of a 50-year old woman!, 11 Jul 1998
I have read and reread this book. Having just turned 50 myself, I marvel at the courage, toughness, and never-give-up attitude of this woman who braved debilitating frost-bite, blizzards, isolation and polar bears to reach her goal -- this in contrast to the vulnerability she reveals in the first chapters and in her love for Charlie, the Inuit dog who accompanies her on her journey. While the first couple of chapters are a bit awkward in style, once she gets into her journey the story becomes a real nail-biter of an adventure that I just didn't want to put down.

A classic which has endured for over 100 years, 23 Nov 2007
After spending years commanding large merchant vessels, Capt Joshua Slocum completely rebuilds a 37 foot yacht and sets sail around the world in it. Slocum's grasp of the English language is exemplary as he describes his single-handed voyage around the world. The book is a fascinating insight into life 100 years ago when sailors were unable to use electronics for navigation, meteorology or helming and vessesls had to sail around the Capes as the "shortcut canals" (Panama and Suez) had not yet been constructed.



An understated epic of seamanship and adventure, 25 May 2004
I share other reviewers' enthusiasm for this book, but for me astonishment and admiration are the dominant emotions it evokes. At an age when most of us are ready to start taking it easy, and long before the days of modern aids to navigation and survival, Captain Slocum cobbles together his tiny boat and sets off around the world single-handed, braving wild seas and fending off wilder but barefoot natives with tin tacks scattered on the deck. Don't look for any modern angst or self-revelation as to why he decided to do it, or what drove him to persist when, for instance, it took him exhausting weeks of battling to get round the Horn. The whole saga is so quietly told that the man's huge competence, sagacity and sheer fortitude emerge only slowly. I'm no sailor, but this is one sailing book that I will always keep to hand for inspiration.

The best part of Slocum is, his life's based on a true story, 06 Nov 1998
I have read any number of books by small boat sailors, but never have I enjoyed one more than this. Why? I love success stories, and Capt. Slocum was the sort who assured his success before he set out. He anticipated, and prepared for every contingency, and he succeeded in spite of doubters. But, what really sets the book apart is its language and the scope of knowledge of this third-grader. I gave most my other 'sea' books away, but will keep this one forever.

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Great book, couldn't put it down!, 02 Sep 2008
Fran's extraordinary story captivated me from beginning to end. Entertaining, witty, (it had me laughing out loud) and superbly written. It's a fascinating account of a journey through 'real' Africa.
An excellent book, I'd highly recommend it.

compelling, 27 Jun 2008
Fran is an ordinary person, like you or me, who had an idea and decided to live that idea - not just read about it. Working hard, saving even harder he managed to get to Africa and begin the adventure.

The story is told with great humor and humility and its one of those books that is hard to put down. This is certainly a book that I will keep and read again and again.


great book, 18 May 2008
This is a great book, it's been a while since i read something that genuinely made me laugh out loud. It was a great introduction to the stories of the great explorers as well. Opened a new door of interest for me. Full marks fran sandham.


Here Be Lions (and a donkey), 21 Apr 2008
It's hard to read many travel books without a sense of 'Why? Why are you putting yourself through all this?' and Traversa is no exception. Those who sit at home may not understand what drives some people to these lengths, but that doesn't stop us lapping it up and asking for more.

In this enthralling book, Sandham brings his solo walk from the aptly-named Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean to life. He comes across, variously, as courageous, determined, bloody-minded, and completely insane. By the end of the book, it's easy to feel, as he does, that he has earned his right to be in Africa, even among people so poor that a man who has scrimped, saved and given up chocolate biscuits to be there, is immeasurably rich.

Throughout, Sandham places his experiences in a historical context, evoking the horror of being preserved from shipwreck only to die of thirst, the shame and waste of the slave trade, and butchery in wars over territory that match anything Europe has achieved in that line. As his traversa progresses, he moves from a theoretical understanding of Africa to a genuine affection for the place and its people.

The book is filled with dry self-deprecation and humour--there's a disastrous donkey, and we can only imagine Sandham's problems with his mule, as he declines to go into details--and some of the characters he meets are portrayed as so much larger than life that there's a temptation to believe they're imaginary. Perhaps the best example of the man's courage is when, having invested time, effort and money in a donkey (diseased), a donkey-cart (beautifully painted), and a mule (disobedient), he's able to walk away from all three. Many people would have persisted even in the face of so much discouragement, but Sandham knows when to cut his losses. He probably wouldn't have made it across Africa without that knowledge.

Apart from the not-so-tame domestic animals, there's lions. Real, live, traveller-eating lions. Fortunately, the threat they pose is more perceived than actual; some people have been eaten, but Sandham gets through. There's also explosive diarrhea, a very unpleasant, if probably inevitable, attack of malaria, and, of course, blisters. Yet day after day, he gets up, and gets going. Even after side trips to investigate mules or donkeys, he insists on being driven back to the point where he stopped walking, so he can start again. He knows when he's idled somewhere too long, and somehow gets himself going. There's no cheating on this journey, even though the temptations must have been enormous.

This book entertained and saddened me by turns, and I heartily recommend it--reading what Sandham has to say is the only way even partially to answer the question, 'Why?'.

Great stuff - more please!, 31 Mar 2008
I loved this book. I'm easily irritated by the somewhat superior tone adopted by some travel writers but Traversa made a refreshing change. As well as the sense of adventure, for me it was the humour that made it a real page turner.

Antidote for Mid Life Crises, 18 Nov 2007
Well, it won't really solve your mid-life crisis, unless it inspires you to do something just as crazy. Her father must be one interesting guy, pushing his daughter into single-handing the world with so little sailing experience. She talks about him a lot, and his adventures sound like they're worth gathering up into book form.

I keep buying it for my friends., 08 Apr 1999
The original edition, which included pictures of the voyage, was better. Even so, this is a fantastic and inspiring book about an incredible adventure. I first read it a year ago and, ever since, have been buying it for friends in the hope that it will make as much difference to their outlook as it did to mine.

I agree with the rest, an excellent travel memoir., 28 Jan 1999
Tania's unpretentious story is fun, inspirational, and nail-biting. It's nice to have an author open up the way Tania does about herself, her family, and relationships; strengths and fears.

A"must read"for any true sailor., 17 Sep 1998
I have read this book twice now & can only say I fall in love with Tania & all her friends each time I read it.If only we could all enter adult hood this way.

This is a perfect summer read! Take it to the beach!, 23 Jul 1998
Tania takes you with her on her exciting voyage. Tania's detailed account of her adventure will bring out the explorer within you. She is a remarkable young woman that will inspire you. Take this book to the beach this summer and marvel at the ocean's power and romance.

Not bad at all, 01 May 2008
I really liked this book - each chapter is on a different city so it's easy to dip in and out of, and the suggestions for books to read and films to watch before visiting each place is a really good idea. No maps or photos, but she really gives a sense of each place, and the best way to meet other people there. Also, although it's a 'solo girl' travel guide, it's just as good to use if you're heading somewhere in a group, and want something other than Lonely Planet or Let's Go. I'd just knock one star off as a lot of the tours and accommodations she suggests are not really for the budget traveler.

Polar Dream - Reviewed by Someone who it Inspired, 16 Jan 2003
I read this book and it changed my life! I couldnt put it down, it scared the life out of me and when I finished it I was determined to travel to the North Magnetic pole. My dream was realised within 2 years of reading the book.

The book pulls no punches about what polar travel in that part of the world is like - living and travelling in teeth shattering cold weather, the constant threat of polar bears, the astounding desolate beauty of that part of the world.

Both the outdoor and armchair adventurer will find this a great read. Those who have never read an adventure book will find it enlightening. Those with an interest in polar travel will get a real feel for what its like and the demands on your nerves, mind, body and hygiene!
Its also an inspiration that shows that someone , through preparation and perseverance, can achieve what was initially thought impossible. What a great read!

great book, 05 Apr 1999
this book is great! it shows that men arnt the only ones that have endurance

This is a great true adventure story for everyone., 28 Jan 1999
Helen Thayer is an amazing woman who inspires us to overcome negative thoughts when faced with difficult challenges. Her adventure is fascinating and exciting. I had a hard time putting this book down. My wife and children have all read this book and loved it too. If you want an exciting true-life adventure story, this is the one. Very inspirational and motivational.

This book makes far flung adventure seem possible., 01 Dec 1998
Many other books in this genre make the exploits of the adventurers seem almost super-human. Helen Thayer takes the reader on the journey with her. As I read the story of her incredible journey to the magnetic north pole, I found myself considering adventures for my own life. Here we have a woman who freely admits to her fears and disappointments, yet presses on. She makes adventure seem possible, even for us mortals. When most of us read a book like this one, I think we are looking for just that." Tell me that I can do what I have only dreamed of doing before. Don't lie to me. Tell me that the going will be tough. But show me that challenges can be overcome." I believe that qualifies as inspiration. We all could use a dose of this kind of insiration.

Inspirational, true life adventure of a 50-year old woman!, 11 Jul 1998
I have read and reread this book. Having just turned 50 myself, I marvel at the courage, toughness, and never-give-up attitude of this woman who braved debilitating frost-bite, blizzards, isolation and polar bears to reach her goal -- this in contrast to the vulnerability she reveals in the first chapters and in her love for Charlie, the Inuit dog who accompanies her on her journey. While the first couple of chapters are a bit awkward in style, once she gets into her journey the story becomes a real nail-biter of an adventure that I just didn't want to put down.

Brilliant, like the man himself, 22 May 2006
A terrific read, reflecting a terrific achievement. I would reccomend this book to anyone, regardless of whether they have an interest in sailing (I don't, and I enjoyed it immensely nevertheless). Uttlerly compelling.

A classic which has endured for over 100 years, 23 Nov 2007
After spending years commanding large merchant vessels, Capt Joshua Slocum completely rebuilds a 37 foot yacht and sets sail around the world in it. Slocum's grasp of the English language is exemplary as he describes his single-handed voyage around the world. The book is a fascinating insight into life 100 years ago when sailors were unable to use electronics for navigation, meteorology or helming and vessesls had to sail around the Capes as the "shortcut canals" (Panama and Suez) had not yet been constructed.



An understated epic of seamanship and adventure, 25 May 2004
I share other reviewers' enthusiasm for this book, but for me astonishment and admiration are the dominant emotions it evokes. At an age when most of us are ready to start taking it easy, and long before the days of modern aids to navigation and survival, Captain Slocum cobbles together his tiny boat and sets off around the world single-handed, braving wild seas and fending off wilder but barefoot natives with tin tacks scattered on the deck. Don't look for any modern angst or self-revelation as to why he decided to do it, or what drove him to persist when, for instance, it took him exhausting weeks of battling to get round the Horn. The whole saga is so quietly told that the man's huge competence, sagacity and sheer fortitude emerge only slowly. I'm no sailor, but this is one sailing book that I will always keep to hand for inspiration.

The best part of Slocum is, his life's based on a true story, 06 Nov 1998
I have read any number of books by small boat sailors, but never have I enjoyed one more than this. Why? I love success stories, and Capt. Slocum was the sort who assured his success before he set out. He anticipated, and prepared for every contingency, and he succeeded in spite of doubters. But, what really sets the book apart is its language and the scope of knowledge of this third-grader. I gave most my other 'sea' books away, but will keep this one forever.

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Great book, couldn't put it down!, 02 Sep 2008
Fran's extraordinary story captivated me from beginning to end. Entertaining, witty, (it had me laughing out loud) and superbly written. It's a fascinating account of a journey through 'real' Africa.
An excellent book, I'd highly recommend it.

compelling, 27 Jun 2008
Fran is an ordinary person, like you or me, who had an idea and decided to live that idea - not just read about it. Working hard, saving even harder he managed to get to Africa and begin the adventure.

The story is told with great humor and humility and its one of those books that is hard to put down. This is certainly a book that I will keep and read again and again.


great book, 18 May 2008
This is a great book, it's been a while since i read something that genuinely made me laugh out loud. It was a great introduction to the stories of the great explorers as well. Opened a new door of interest for me. Full marks fran sandham.


Here Be Lions (and a donkey), 21 Apr 2008
It's hard to read many travel books without a sense of 'Why? Why are you putting yourself through all this?' and Traversa is no exception. Those who sit at home may not understand what drives some people to these lengths, but that doesn't stop us lapping it up and asking for more.

In this enthralling book, Sandham brings his solo walk from the aptly-named Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean to life. He comes across, variously, as courageous, determined, bloody-minded, and completely insane. By the end of the book, it's easy to feel, as he does, that he has earned his right to be in Africa, even among people so poor that a man who has scrimped, saved and given up chocolate biscuits to be there, is immeasurably rich.

Throughout, Sandham places his experiences in a historical context, evoking the horror of being preserved from shipwreck only to die of thirst, the shame and waste of the slave trade, and butchery in wars over territory that match anything Europe has achieved in that line. As his traversa progresses, he moves from a theoretical understanding of Africa to a genuine affection for the place and its people.

The book is filled with dry self-deprecation and humour--there's a disastrous donkey, and we can only imagine Sandham's problems with his mule, as he declines to go into details--and some of the characters he meets are portrayed as so much larger than life that there's a temptation to believe they're imaginary. Perhaps the best example of the man's courage is when, having invested time, effort and money in a donkey (diseased), a donkey-cart (beautifully painted), and a mule (disobedient), he's able to walk away from all three. Many people would have persisted even in the face of so much discouragement, but Sandham knows when to cut his losses. He probably wouldn't have made it across Africa without that knowledge.

Apart from the not-so-tame domestic animals, there's lions. Real, live, traveller-eating lions. Fortunately, the threat they pose is more perceived than actual; some people have been eaten, but Sandham gets through. There's also explosive diarrhea, a very unpleasant, if probably inevitable, attack of malaria, and, of course, blisters. Yet day after day, he gets up, and gets going. Even after side trips to investigate mules or donkeys, he insists on being driven back to the point where he stopped walking, so he can start again. He knows when he's idled somewhere too long, and somehow gets himself going. There's no cheating on this journey, even though the temptations must have been enormous.

This book entertained and saddened me by turns, and I heartily recommend it--reading what Sandham has to say is the only way even partially to answer the question, 'Why?'.

Great stuff - more please!, 31 Mar 2008
I loved this book. I'm easily irritated by the somewhat superior tone adopted by some travel writers but Traversa made a refreshing change. As well as the sense of adventure, for me it was the humour that made it a real page turner.

Antidote for Mid Life Crises, 18 Nov 2007
Well, it won't really solve your mid-life crisis, unless it inspires you to do something just as crazy. Her father must be one interesting guy, pushing his daughter into single-handing the world with so little sailing experience. She talks about him a lot, and his adventures sound like they're worth gathering up into book form.

I keep buying it for my friends., 08 Apr 1999
The original edition, which included pictures of the voyage, was better. Even so, this is a fantastic and inspiring book about an incredible adventure. I first read it a year ago and, ever since, have been buying it for friends in the hope that it will make as much difference to their outlook as it did to mine.

I agree with the rest, an excellent travel memoir., 28 Jan 1999
Tania's unpretentious story is fun, inspirational, and nail-biting. It's nice to have an author open up the way Tania does about herself, her family, and relationships; strengths and fears.

A"must read"for any true sailor., 17 Sep 1998
I have read this book twice now & can only say I fall in love with Tania & all her friends each time I read it.If only we could all enter adult hood this way.

This is a perfect summer read! Take it to the beach!, 23 Jul 1998
Tania takes you with her on her exciting voyage. Tania's detailed account of her adventure will bring out the explorer within you. She is a remarkable young woman that will inspire you. Take this book to the beach this summer and marvel at the ocean's power and romance.

Not bad at all, 01 May 2008
I really liked this book - each chapter is on a different city so it's easy to dip in and out of, and the suggestions for books to read and films to watch before visiting each place is a really good idea. No maps or photos, but she really gives a sense of each place, and the best way to meet other people there. Also, although it's a 'solo girl' travel guide, it's just as good to use if you're heading somewhere in a group, and want something other than Lonely Planet or Let's Go. I'd just knock one star off as a lot of the tours and accommodations she suggests are not really for the budget traveler.

Polar Dream - Reviewed by Someone who it Inspired, 16 Jan 2003
I read this book and it changed my life! I couldnt put it down, it scared the life out of me and when I finished it I was determined to travel to the North Magnetic pole. My dream was realised within 2 years of reading the book.

The book pulls no punches about what polar travel in that part of the world is like - living and travelling in teeth shattering cold weather, the constant threat of polar bears, the astounding desolate beauty of that part of the world.

Both the outdoor and armchair adventurer will find this a great read. Those who have never read an adventure book will find it enlightening. Those with an interest in polar travel will get a real feel for what its like and the demands on your nerves, mind, body and hygiene!
Its also an inspiration that shows that someone , through preparation and perseverance, can achieve what was initially thought impossible. What a great read!

great book, 05 Apr 1999
this book is great! it shows that men arnt the only ones that have endurance

This is a great true adventure story for everyone., 28 Jan 1999
Helen Thayer is an amazing woman who inspires us to overcome negative thoughts when faced with difficult challenges. Her adventure is fascinating and exciting. I had a hard time putting this book down. My wife and children have all read this book and loved it too. If you want an exciting true-life adventure story, this is the one. Very inspirational and motivational.

This book makes far flung adventure seem possible., 01 Dec 1998
Many other books in this genre make the exploits of the adventurers seem almost super-human. Helen Thayer takes the reader on the journey with her. As I read the story of her incredible journey to the magnetic north pole, I found myself considering adventures for my own life. Here we have a woman who freely admits to her fears and disappointments, yet presses on. She makes adventure seem possible, even for us mortals. When most of us read a book like this one, I think we are looking for just that." Tell me that I can do what I have only dreamed of doing before. Don't lie to me. Tell me that the going will be tough. But show me that challenges can be overcome." I believe that qualifies as inspiration. We all could use a dose of this kind of insiration.

Inspirational, true life adventure of a 50-year old woman!, 11 Jul 1998
I have read and reread this book. Having just turned 50 myself, I marvel at the courage, toughness, and never-give-up attitude of this woman who braved debilitating frost-bite, blizzards, isolation and polar bears to reach her goal -- this in contrast to the vulnerability she reveals in the first chapters and in her love for Charlie, the Inuit dog who accompanies her on her journey. While the first couple of chapters are a bit awkward in style, once she gets into her journey the story becomes a real nail-biter of an adventure that I just didn't want to put down.

Brilliant, like the man himself, 22 May 2006
A terrific read, reflecting a terrific achievement. I would reccomend this book to anyone, regardless of whether they have an interest in sailing (I don't, and I enjoyed it immensely nevertheless). Uttlerly compelling.

A Heart Felt Trip, 26 Aug 2005
The only shame with this book is that I had to special order it, which was well worth the wait! Only for me to see several copies of it on the Arizona bookshop shelves a few months later! It also cost me an extra £9.99 as I spotted Chris's other book Munros and Tops!

I'd just mention that while the photos are indeed fantastic, they are artfully black and white, but colour would have been more appropriate. I hope that the publishers take note of the above comments!

This book is a great read with plenty of feeling. Crossing Arizona sounds a very tough walk, not for the faint hearted, so I'd recommend reading the book first! Then if you're tough, or indeed brave enough try walking a section of the Arizona Trail. I'd give it a try but I'm a jessy and neither of the above! I just got a thrill out of reading the book.

What I particularly enjoy with some of Chris's books, this a prime example, is his honesty and openness. We may not all agree with him but he uses his right to free speach well. Crossing Arizona would be less of a book if Chris's thoughts and feelings were ommited.

I have been to Arizona a number of times and would love to make a return trip one day. OK, it will be in a car, shame on me, but Arizona has quite a hold on me! It certainly holds a special place in Chris's heart! His finishing paragraphs make this abundantly clear! I could "feel" Chris's sadness at leaving and I too didn't want the book to end. I had a lump in my throat when I closed the book for the last time. No other book has had such an impact on me as Crossing Arizona, particularly the end.

Whatever book Chris writes next I hope it is going to be as good as Crossing Arizona.

Whingeing across Arizona, 22 Sep 2003
Like most tourists, Chris Townsend loves modern conveniences that make his life easier but detests similar amenities when they clash with what he considers should be an untouched wilderness experience.

He lives in Scotland, and thus came to Arizona with the typical British attitude of "Look at how you colonials managed to muck everything up since we left." He's full of complaints about Americans who don't appreciate the wilderness, ignoring the fact that even the worst of Americans aren't as bad as the "horrible families" of Britain who consider it sporting to steal cars for a lark and then burn them.

These writers are boring, and Townsend's rants paint him as an insufferable toff. Sadly, he doesn't seem to appreciate the desert or forests in the same manner as writers such as Joseph Wood Krutch or even Zane Grey. He doesn't seem to appreciate that we live in a messy modern world, with only a few gems of wilderness left.

For example: Townsend cites efforts in the 1960s to dam the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon itself, and the noble efforts to stop it. Excellent. He ignores the alternative that was built with the connivance of the people who stopped the dam -- one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the nation which spews its pollution over tens of thousands of square miles of the Southwest. He also thinks Lake Powell should be drained. Isn't it time the Forth Bridge was torn down to restore the scenic views?

His arrogant rants are the equivalent of a Yankee tourist recommending Hadrian's Wall be torn down to restore the natural landscape. Of course, much of it HAS been torn down -- a look at any farmer's barns within a few miles of the wall shows how those Roman building stones were put to use. Anyone who's hiked off trail knows there's no "untouched" landscape left. And, if you're going to stick to the trail -- this book is about hiking The Arizona Trail -- then you're in man-made country.

Like all too many wilderness advocates, Townsend fails to appreciate the natural world for what it is as it now exists. It's like building a replica of a wooden ship; no matter how authentic you make it, it isn't the original. In many cases, it's far better than the original. Likewise, the Arizona of today is not the Arizona of a century ago, nor five enturies ago.

Britain is filled with almost 60 million people like Townsend; all whinges, moans and complaints but never the initiative to do anything. Anyone with energy and ambition emigrates, which is why Australia is such a dynamic place. Those who stay home find fault with everything, and particularly with anyone who had the energy to leave.

In brief, the book is the first of its kind so it's the finest yet available. Anyone who plans to do any extensive hiking in Arizona needs to read it. It contains enough Arizona details to be valuable, enough hiking information to be useful, enough rants to please the beads and Birkenstocks crowd, but far from enough cactus hugging for a desert rat.

But then, how many readers are likely to be desert rats? Buy it, it's more interesting than those which haven't been published. It's not the type of book to take on a desert hike, but it's a good read before such a walk. Someday, an even better book may be written about The Arizona Trail, but if you plan on waiting that long the trail may be paved by then.

Top Class Hiking guide, 12 Feb 2003
800 miles from Mexico to Utah crossing various types of terrain-desert;forest;chapparal;Canyons;mountains;plateau's. Walking in heat/camping in Snow at times! This is a fascinating read which makes you want to put on the old boots & fly to Arizona immediately.
He makes little of the problems which an inexperienced hiker would find insurmountable. He came close to running out of water on at least 2 occasions but there is no sign of panic.Even so it is clear the position could have been dangerous.
His descriptions of the landscape & wildlife he encountered seemed, at least to me anyway, to bring Arizona into my living room. Once started, it was a book I could not put down.
Highly recommended.

A classic which has endured for over 100 years, 23 Nov 2007
After spending years commanding large merchant vessels, Capt Joshua Slocum completely rebuilds a 37 foot yacht and sets sail around the world in it. Slocum's grasp of the English language is exemplary as he describes his single-handed voyage around the world. The book is a fascinating insight into life 100 years ago when sailors were unable to use electronics for navigation, meteorology or helming and vessesls had to sail around the Capes as the "shortcut canals" (Panama and Suez) had not yet been constructed.



An understated epic of seamanship and adventure, 25 May 2004
I share other reviewers' enthusiasm for this book, but for me astonishment and admiration are the dominant emotions it evokes. At an age when most of us are ready to start taking it easy, and long before the days of modern aids to navigation and survival, Captain Slocum cobbles together his tiny boat and sets off around the world single-handed, braving wild seas and fending off wilder but barefoot natives with tin tacks scattered on the deck. Don't look for any modern angst or self-revelation as to why he decided to do it, or what drove him to persist when, for instance, it took him exhausting weeks of battling to get round the Horn. The whole saga is so quietly told that the man's huge competence, sagacity and sheer fortitude emerge only slowly. I'm no sailor, but this is one sailing book that I will always keep to hand for inspiration.

The best part of Slocum is, his life's based on a true story, 06 Nov 1998
I have read any number of books by small boat sailors, but never have I enjoyed one more than this. Why? I love success stories, and Capt. Slocum was the sort who assured his success before he set out. He anticipated, and prepared for every contingency, and he succeeded in spite of doubters. But, what really sets the book apart is its language and the scope of knowledge of this third-grader. I gave most my other 'sea' books away, but will keep this one forever.

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Top shelf true adventure reading!, 02 Oct 1997
Slocum eases the reader on an adventure around the world, baiting us along with peaceful respect for the sea, and a love of sloitude. No hollywood storms or disasters. He is as good at story telling as he is at sailing. I would recommend his work to non-sailors and non-adventurers alike. This is a slice of history as he visits the South Pacific and South America in the 1800's, quietly cruising past a world just comming to grips with expansion into unknown cultures and countries. A wise "old Salt" and a teriffic story teller!

Great book, couldn't put it down!, 02 Sep 2008
Fran's extraordinary story captivated me from beginning to end. Entertaining, witty, (it had me laughing out loud) and superbly written. It's a fascinating account of a journey through 'real' Africa.
An excellent book, I'd highly recommend it.

compelling, 27 Jun 2008
Fran is an ordinary person, like you or me, who had an idea and decided to live that idea - not just read about it. Working hard, saving even harder he managed to get to Africa and begin the adventure.

The story is told with great humor and humility and its one of those books that is hard to put down. This is certainly a book that I will keep and read again and again.


great book, 18 May 2008
This is a great book, it's been a while since i read something that genuinely made me laugh out loud. It was a great introduction to the stories of the great explorers as well. Opened a new door of interest for me. Full marks fran sandham.


Here Be Lions (and a donkey), 21 Apr 2008
It's hard to read many travel books without a sense of 'Why? Why are you putting yourself through all this?' and Traversa is no exception. Those who sit at home may not understand what drives some people to these lengths, but that doesn't stop us lapping it up and asking for more.

In this enthralling book, Sandham brings his solo walk from the aptly-named Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean to life. He comes across, variously, as courageous, determined, bloody-minded, and completely insane. By the end of the book, it's easy to feel, as he does, that he has earned his right to be in Africa, even among people so poor that a man who has scrimped, saved and given up chocolate biscuits to be there, is immeasurably rich.

Throughout, Sandham places his experiences in a historical context, evoking the horror of being preserved from shipwreck only to die of thirst, the shame and waste of the slave trade, and butchery in wars over territory that match anything Europe has achieved in that line. As his traversa progresses, he moves from a theoretical understanding of Africa to a genuine affection for the place and its people.

The book is filled with dry self-deprecation and humour--there's a disastrous donkey, and we can only imagine Sandham's problems with his mule, as he declines to go into details--and some of the characters he meets are portrayed as so much larger than life that there's a temptation to believe they're imaginary. Perhaps the best example of the man's courage is when, having invested time, effort and money in a donkey (diseased), a donkey-cart (beautifully painted), and a mule (disobedient), he's able to walk away from all three. Many people would have persisted even in the face of so much discouragement, but Sandham knows when to cut his losses. He probably wouldn't have made it across Africa without that knowledge.

Apart from the not-so-tame domestic animals, there's lions. Real, live, traveller-eating lions. Fortunately, the threat they pose is more perceived than actual; some people have been eaten, but Sandham gets through. There's also explosive diarrhea, a very unpleasant, if probably inevitable, attack of malaria, and, of course, blisters. Yet day after day, he gets up, and gets going. Even after side trips to investigate mules or donkeys, he insists on being driven back to the