The 8.55 To Baghdad

Description

Andrew Eames, an adventurous, insightful and sympathetic observer, sets out to travel from London to Baghdad by train, following the route of the old Orient Express and an identical journey made by Agatha Christie in 1928. Agatha's journey was to change her life completely and led to her spending thirty seasons on archaeological digs in the deserts of Syria and Iraq. Eames' own journey reveals fascinating details of this little known but exotic chapter in the life of the world's most widely read author. The journey from London to Baghdad by train today is actually far harder than it was in Agatha's day. Many of the countries Eames passes through, from the Balkans to the Middle East, have been deeply troubled in recent years. Eventually he arrives at the Iraqi border at the same time as the UN weapons inspectors. As the book approaches its final destination the shadow of war looms increasingly large. A compelling read, merging literary biography with travel adventure, The 8.55 to Baghdad is the journey of a lifetime...

Andrew Eames was born in 1958. His career in journalism started in south-east Asia, where he travelled and lived for two years. From there he returned to the UK to work first on specialist magazines and then in guide book publishing. Ten years ago he went freelance, and has been writing travel and general interest features mainly for national newspapers, such as The Telegraph and The Times. He is the author of Crossing the Shadow Line, Four Scottish Journeys and Benn's London.He is married with two children.

If there ever was a lesson in how to construct a travel book, this is it. Eames has the acute eye and polished pen of an outstanding observer ... a splendid read * The Daily Telegraph * Two terrific subjects ... the surprisingly adventurous life of Agatha Christie and the major hotspots of current world politics * Daily Mail * Vivid and atmospheric ... Eames has succeeded in the difficult task of closing an entertaining travel narrative with the brutal conclusions of modern history * Independent * The best travel book of 2004 * Daily Mail * A thoroughly enjoyable read that combines an Agatha-centric travelogue with a thought-provoking journey through a benighted land * Geographical Magazine *