Around the World in 80 Days

Palin's journey is no less hectic and incident-packed than his illustrious predecessor, as he pursues Fogg in an increasingly frenetic attempt to get back to the Reform Club within the allotted 80 days. Along the way we are treated to Palin's trademark traveller's tales and bizarre journeys, from the idyllic but at times traumatic medieval boat journey across the Indian Ocean, to dog-sledding and ballooning across the USA. Some of the finest sections come with Palin's often hilarious accounts of cultural confusion encountered throughout India and the Far East. Around the World in 80 Days is full of what has made Palin such a popular and enjoyable travel writer: wry, humorous, but ultimately humane observations on the world's foibles, and the pleasure and pains of travelling. --Jerry Brotton

Reader Reviews:

Entertaining (1/1 people found this helpful)

Perfect book for when you are holiday or dreaming of one. Michael Palins easy writing stlyle and narration make this a joy to listen to. The emphasis is on achieving his goal but not to the detriment of entertaining his fellow companions (ie you)
Excellent and well worth the price.

Not an impressive book (2/38 people found this helpful)

I found Michael Palin's book to be unimpressive and disappointing. There appeared to be no flow to his writing, he went into too much detail on irrelevant points such as the names of the coaches on the bus/boat/train and the waiter who was serving him. He described in distressing detail the technical aspects of every ship he set foot on- what year it was built, how many containers it could hold etc., while skimming over large portions of his day, 'we rose at dawn', 'at noon we'...
He made inconsistent references to his passepourtout, sometimes implying he travelled alone, until suddenly he was drinking with or playing a game with a friend of his.
After having read Desmond Morris' 'The Naked Eye', an account of his around-the-world travels, I found Michael Palin's book to be weakly written and unfulfilling in it's potential. He only sometimes (Egypt) described his impression of the people as a whole, which I think to be one of the most fascinating aspects of travel. The only reason I finished reading the book was to see if he finished his trip in the 80 days alloted.
Having not seen the tv series that documented his travels I found the book be a weak portrayal of what is a life-time opportunity; The only thing I did learn is how much influence the BBC have around the world.

Very entertaining (14/15 people found this helpful)

Michael Palin shares his experience of going around the world in 80 days, like the fictional character Philias Fogg, but he explains everything in an easier way. You can understand ever word, as he takes you through his exciting journey you know exactly how he feels & as an ex python there are some funny parts as well.

I think Michael Palin is our generations Ernest Hemingway (4/8 people found this helpful)

I think Michael Palin is like Ernest Hemingway because he takes people who can not afford to go round the world just like Ernest did for him

A wonderful book (1/17 people found this helpful)

As a huge Palin fan I was absorbed by this book. I personally feel this is the best out of all his travel writing. The book was written with humour and obvious interest in the world around. Palin's writing is full of wit and fun. I loved every second of this book. It's not just a book about different but about the fascinating world around us. I'd thoroughly recommend this book to anyone as it simply sparkles with Palin's wonderful personality. One of the best books I have ever read! Since this I've read Palin's other books - all wonderful but not as great as this. Michael Palin is as great a writer as he is a comedian!

Around the World in 80 Days

Michael Palin

Editorial Review: