Sahara

Description

Michael Palin's epic voyages have seen him circumnavigate the globe, travel from the North to the South Pole and circle the countries of the Pacific Ocean, but this was perhaps the greatest challenge yet: to cross the vast and merciless Sahara desert. As the journey unfolds, the Sahara reveals not the emptiness of endless sand dunes, but a huge and diverse range of cultures and landscapes and a long history of commerce and conquest stretching from the time of the ancient Egyptians to the oil-rich Islamic republics of today. On his way, he encounters dangers such as camel stew, being run over by the Paris-Dakar rally and Dakar nightlife, as well as returning to the original spot where THE LIFE OF BRIAN was fimed. This is travel writing at its very best.

Michael Palin is one of the most popular comic figures of our time. His exploits with the Monty Python team and in subsequent films such as A FISH CALLED WANDA are now the stuff of legend. It is as the adventurous traveller of his major television series however that he has acquired a vast and loyal following.

'One of the most fascinating aspects of his account is the range of cultures that have left their mark on the area, from Roman amphitheatres to enormous natural gas pipelines, and from mud-brick mosques to French railway stations. Palin's brisk, wry narrative also includes stunning photographs by Basil Pao.' THE SUNDAY TIMES (5/10/03) 'Entertaining account of Michael Palin's journey across the Sahara that ties in with the TV series'. WOMAN & HOME (October 2003) '... an epic voyage that uncovers a surprisingly large and diverse range of cultures and memerising landscapes... Sahara is a witty insight into this fascinating region. The sardonic humour of his Monty Python days stays with him throughout the trip and helps to provide a refreshingly alternative view of this alluring part of the world. If you've enjoyed Palin's other books you'll love this. And if you haven't, make Sahara your first introduction to his writing.' GLOBAL ADVENTURE (October 2003)