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Around the World in 80 Days: Companion to the Pbs Series (Best of the BBC) | 
 enlarge | Creator: Michael Palin
Publisher: Bay Books
Category: Book
List Price: $17.95
Buy Used: $0.37
You Save: $17.58 (98%)
New (7) Used (31) Collectible (3) from $0.37
Rating:  11 reviews
Sales Rank: 925670
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 262
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 9.8 x 7.5 x 0.8
ISBN: 0912333391
Dewey Decimal Number: 910.41
EAN: 9780912333397
ASIN: 0912333391
Publication Date: March 1995
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: All old inventory that was transferred from Ka-zam All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofit job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
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Product Description
The British actor and humorist describes his eighty-day journey around the world--by train, taxi, camel, dogsled, cargo ship, and balloon--following in the footsteps of the inimitable Phileas Fogg. Reprint. TV tie-in. 25,000 first printing. IP.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 The trip that started Michael Palin's new career January 9, 2006
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
"Around the World in 80 Days" is the book based on the TV travelogue that Michael Palin made for the BBC in 1988. This travelogue was such a success that it started a whole series of TV programs over the following years: "Pole to Pole", "Full Circle", "Hemingway Adventure", "Sahara" and "Himalaya".
The trip was intended to follow the route traveled by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's novel from 1872. The self-imposed rule was that airplane travel was not allowed so only trains, buses, ships and cars could be used. This was problematic for Michael Palin because in 1872 there were many passenger ship lines, while in 1988 there were almost none because of air travel. As a result he had to obtain passage on various cargo and container ships that normally don't accept passengers.
All of Michael Palin's travel books (and DVDs) share the same qualities. Mr. Palin's wit and charm and exuberance are evident, and he has a knack of meeting interesting people and getting involved in amusing situations wherever he goes.
This trip is, however, unlike the others in that there is a pre-defined route involving a lot of sea travel, and a "race against the clock" element because the trip must be completed in 80 days. The time limit provides a bit of excitement, especially when Michael Palin passes through Singapore 10 days behind the fictitious Phileas Fogg.
The large amount of sea travel is a negative aspect because it's limited how many interesting things can be done aboard a container ship, for example. In fact, a significant number of the 80 days are spent on board ships, and it gets rather boring.
Still, there are many interesting experiences reported and photographed from the various cities passed through, as well as the countryside. The cultural differences are amazing and Michael Palin reports on it all in a way that makes you feel like you're there with him.
The pictures are beautiful, even though they were not all taken by Basil Pao, who became Michael Palin's regular stills photographer on all of his later trips.
My only criticism is that I would have liked there to be some maps in the book so I could follow the trip more exactly.
The audio version of this book is read by Michael Palin himself, which is a plus. But beware: There are both abridged and unabridged versions of the audio book.
In summary, a great start for what became a great series of travel books and TV programs.
Rennie Petersen
Brilliant April 13, 2005
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Full of Michael Palin's signature wit and odd perspective on life, be prepared for a more in depth and exciting view of his journey.
Garunteed to make you chuckle every now and then and well known to bring about sudden and obnoxious laughter! You have been warned!
Proving Jules Verne right August 13, 2004
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Probably the best of Palin's travelogues, or maybe I enjoyed it most because it introduced me to his offbeat travel series? I rate it the best because Palin comes in contact with the most cultures in this one. Proof that Palin's comedy does indeed work all over the world. I would pick this one up before Full circle, Hemingway Adventure, Full Circle, Pole to Pole, and Sahara in that order. But you can not go wrong with any of the books, or videos for that matter.
Something Special November 10, 2003
I have been a follower of Michael Palin's adventures (Pole To Pole, Full Circle & Sahara). I have all of these on video and I have read them also. But this book is special as it is his first and hardest to get on video or DVD. When you read this you get the feeling that you are there with him. The way he explains every event and place he visits. If you are in to reading this a must read along with his other adventure books. Also, if you enjoy watching his adventures put you name in for the re-release of this on DVD as it is available in the UK but you can't watch it in Canada as it is a different DVD region. So give you email address an get it in to Canada. You won't be disappointed.
Right mix of travel and fun April 13, 2002
4 out of 8 found this review helpful
One of the best travel books I've ever read. Former Python recreates Around the World in 80 Days, over a hundred years later, but without the help of air travel. It doesn't hurt that Palin seems quite the modest, charming traveler. Watching the trip from his eyes is truly a pleasant experience, highly recommended.
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