Himalaya

by Michael Palin

Paperback, 2004

Status

Available

Call number

910

Genres

General Nonfiction

Nonfiction

All Topics

Collections

Non-Fiction, Geography and Travel

Publication

Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated (2004), 288 pages

Description

Michael Palin reads his own entertainingly written account of his journey accross the countries of the Himalayas, accompanying a major BBC TV series in 2004. In his most challenging journey to date, Palin tackles the Himalayas, the greatest mountain range on earth. It is a virtually unbroken wall of rock stretching 1800 miles from the borders of Afghanistan to South-west China. Penetrated but never conquered, it remains the world's most majestic natural barrier, a magnificent wilderness that shapes the history and politics of Asia to this day. Having previously risen to the challenge of seas, poles, dhows and deserts, the highest mountains in the world were a natural target for Michael Palin.

User reviews

LibraryThing member rechoboam

Pretty interesting at a reasonably superficial level. I found it useful as an introduction to many places that I hadn't read much about, while it brought back some memories of places I had been to. As Palin says in his introduction, he isn't trying to convey much depth; the book reads more like a

notebook jotted down after each day's travels.

Show Less

4 more

LibraryThing member birdsam0610

Everyone knows by now that I really enjoy Michael Palin’s travel diaries of his TV series (even though I have read more of the books rather than watch the series). Himalaya has spent some time on the bestseller list and it’s easy to see why. Palin and crew cover areas that the average person

would be unlikely to visit and give you a warts and all experience, including what it feels like to have altitude sickness and meet the Dalai Lama.

I haven’t seen the TV series of this one, but I bet it’s majestic. The pictures in my copy covered spectacular scenery, as well as scenes from a different lifestyle (eg. catching fish and putting them down the front of your shirt). Once again, Palin’s style of writing is easy to read and easily transports you from your comfy chair to Nepal, Pakistan or Mt Everest. He is honest about when he’s not really liking something (like a bad cold going up to Everest) and truly delightful when he enjoys the experience.

I think I’m fairly unlikely to visit any of the areas Palin visited any time soon (my travel desires revolve around Europe, south east Asia and North America at present) but at least I can sound intelligent about the area thanks to Michael!

Read it if: you’re an armchair travel or are saving for your next trip. It’s not full of Monty Python references (sadly).

Show Less

LibraryThing member mahallett

unlike the others, i enjoyed this perhaps because i enjoy the very positive palin.

LibraryThing member starbox

Taking in parts of Pakistan, India, China, Bhutan and Bangladesh, this marathon journey is quite entertaining, with some stunning photos and informative and often amusing text.

LibraryThing member dylkit

I only dimly remember the TV series, and the photos in the paperback veriosn of the book are not very helpful, quite small and dark.

Palin's friendly voice comes through in his writing, even when discussing events that are quite serious, like members of the crew suffering from altitude sickness

seriously enough to be hospitalised and senior army officers being kidnapped by Maoists during a Gurkha recruiting session.

The book can really ony scratch the surface of some of these fascinating place, but there is a 'further reading' list at the end for those who want to explore more and I certainly will. And perhaps re-watch the series.

Show Less

Fewer