Keath Fraser — Worst Journeys

Picador 1993 Paperback, 409pp. Experience – at comfortable second-hand – a selection of the worst journeys in the world, described by some of the best writers on travel in the world. Worst Journeys combines reportage, fiction and poetry in an anthology that features many of the best-known writers of our times. ‘It is always good to discover new excuses to stay at home, particularly when the excuses are as enjoyable and well-written as these’ Peter Mayle ‘We are all brutish in our relieved enjoyment of the misadventures of others, and some of these stories make the toes curl with pleasure in one’s safe, cosy bed . all the big guns are represented in Fraser’s admirable choice: Colin Thubron and Bruce Chatwin . Theroux, Raban, Fenton, Young, Gellhorn, Thesiger, Newby . no wonder the writing is of the highest order, telling of blistering heat and crippling cold, injustice and cruelty, the hell of Vietnam and the Sudan’ Moira Shearer, Daily Telegraph ‘An excellent book full of funny, moving and exciting prose’ Time Out ‘Exquisitely uncomfortable far-flung moments from all the usual suspects, both venerable – Greene, Gellhorn, Newby – and chic – Chatwin, O’Hanlon, Amis, Rourke – plus unfamiliar gems and novel extracts that leave you eager for more’ Independent on Sunday All royalties are donated to Canada India Village Aid. (ISBN: 9780330321419). Fair.