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| Around the World in 80 Days: Unabridged (BBC Radio Collection) | 
 enlarge | Author: Michael Palin
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks Ltd
Category: Book
List Price: £15.99
Buy Used: £2.75
You Save: £13.24 (83%)
New (3) from £5.97
Avg. Customer Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 249804
Format: Audiobook
Media: Audio Cassette
Edition: Unabridged
Discs: 4
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.2 x 1.4
ISBN: 056355228X
Dewey Decimal Number: 910
EAN: 9780563552284
ASIN: 056355228X
Publication Date: October 4, 1999
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Diferent picture, 6 tapes in great condition, outer sleeve has some wear
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Amazon.co.uk Review
The first of Palin's highly acclaimed travel trilogy, Around the World in 80 Days finds the former Monty Python comic swapping his dead parrot for his rucksack, and setting off in the footsteps of Jules Verne's intrepid traveller, Phileas Fogg. In 1872 Fogg set off from The Reform Club in London on an 80-day journey around the globe which took him through southern Europe, the Middle East, China and the USA. 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
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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 The Original and Best October 29, 2008
Having read to Pole to Pole & Full circle (as well as watching various bits of his programs courtesy of the history channel!) I thought this particular one would be another case of Mr Palin using a tawdry, overly ambitious idea and not much enjoying the result.
However I was wrong! As this was supposedly his first expedition it has that wonderful virgin territory quality and has all the joy and very little of the occasional malaise of his later trips. The sheer happiness Michael finds in visiting India and China (which he'd never visited before) and his teasing, slightly mocking tone towards Phileas Fogg's own experiences make this book an absolute joy to read.
And the best thing? Because this was written when the author was predominantly a comic actor and not a travel writer, it has a wonderful humour to it that helps the trip seem a breeze.
My one criticism would have to be the latter part of the trip - in America. Although bits of it are fun, one gets the impression the author was out for camera shots at this point and had lost interest in new horizons. However, the train trip is interesting...
Anyhow, as an book for a holiday reading this is one of Palin's best combining both his skills as a comic and as a traveller in perfect balance. Oh and, if you like this, do try 'Piano in the Pyrenees' or 'Long way round'.
 Entertaining June 30, 2003
2 out of 2 found this review 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 April 22, 2002
3 out of 40 found this review 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 October 6, 2001
15 out of 16 found this review 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 March 14, 2000
5 out of 9 found this review 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
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