I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
A fascinating account of this virtually unknown part of world told essentially by reference to literary excerpts.
The early Welsh settlers' story is told, as is an alternative history of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and perhaps how the western view of Hell was formed! ( )

An absolutely charming little book, easily read at a short sitting. Literature and history are brought together in a fun and unique way by two of the 20th C. best travel writers. ( )

Complemento o introduzione al capolavoro di Chatwin, questo libello è veloce da leggere e focalizza varie informazioni storiche già contenute nel libro In Patagonia, ma lì disperse nella narrazione stupenda di Chatwin. Probabilmente un libro solo per appassionati di Chatwin o Theroux. ( )

Complemento o introduzione al capolavoro di Chatwin, questo libello è veloce da leggere e focalizza varie informazioni storiche già contenute nel libro In Patagonia, ma lì disperse nella narrazione stupenda di Chatwin. Probabilmente un libro solo per appassionati di Chatwin o Theroux. ( )

This slim volume should be read in conjuncture with Chatwin's 'In Patagonia'. Chatwin and Paul Theroux give extracts from various authors,poets and travelers literary works about this odd and unique country.
I liked the description of penguins,by Sir John Narborough,as 'standing upright like little children in white aprons in company together'.
Mention is made of the shooting of an Albatross,which became 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" in the famous poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Conan Doyle also receives a mention for his story 'The Lost World',in which a party of intrepid explorers discover a land full of animals thought long-extinct.
One of the strangest things about this incredible country,is that some of the earliest settlers were Welsh and the Eisteddfod is still sung in places that they still inhabit.
Of course this is where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ended up after their bank-robbing exploits.
So,plenty of anecdotes here about a country shrouded in mystery, told by two great travel writers. A little gem of a book. ( )