Literary Trips 2: Following in the Footsteps of Fame (Greatestescapes.Com) [Paperback]

Sir Arthur C. Clarke (Author)

Book Description

Series: Greatestescapes.Com | Publication Date: April 1, 2001

2001... What better year for a foreword written by Sir Arthur C. Clarke? The venerable master of science fiction and long-time resident of Sri Lanka kicks off a second exotic feast of literary adventure that transports both the reader (vicariously) and the traveler (via practical guide) around the world. Hot on the heels of the critically-acclaimed volume 1, the 24 tales contained in volume 2 again raise the bar for the very best in travel writing. The stories by renowned writers are complemented by detailed illustrations of their subjects and helpful photographs, as well as thoroughly researched guidebook information.

Uncover the mysteries of Kafka's Prague; tarry on the docks of John Steinbeck's Cannery Row; scurry with the street urchins of Charles Dickens's London; join Raymond Carver for a quiet cup of coffee in Washington; heckle a thespian at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre; swing a scythe with the fieldhands in Leo Tolstoy's Russia; get away from it all at Walden's Pond with Henry David Thoreau; dream of the future with Arthur C. Clarke; and experience other memorable highlights from the world of literature.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Like the first volume (Literary Trips, LJ 9/15/00), Volume 2 combines essays on prominent authors and the places they were known for, followed by "The Writer's Trail," which provides practical travel information for those who wish to follow in their footsteps. Both volumes are edited by travel writer and web-'zine editor Brooks, who selected various professional travel writers to compose the entries. Thus, the writing is of uneven quality, and the scope of the entries varies; some tend to be personal travelogs, while others focus more on the history of the place and the lives of the writers. This new volume, which includes chapters on Sir Arthur C. Clarke's Sri Lanka, John Steinbeck's California, Beatrix Potter's Lake District, and Franz Kafka's Prague, is nonetheless an enjoyable read. Longer, more detailed essays would probably have been better for those who actually want to visit these sites, but the essays do give readers the flavor of the places. Recommended for large travel collections. Kathleen Shanahan, Kensington, MD
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

VICTORIA BROOKS is creator and editor of the Literary Trips series. She contributed three of the twenty-three stories, including the lead story, "Dreaming in Tangier," to Volume 1. Paul Bowles wrote the foreword to Volume 1 at Victoria's bidding and against all physical odds (severe glaucoma). It may be the last thing he wrote before he died. Vanessa Berkling, editor in chief of Millionaire Magazine says, "Victoria Brooks takes you on an adventure in magnificence and style. A connoisseur of travel, [she] brings explorations for the spellbound traveler and a philosophy of literature born out of the delight of discovering remote places.She is a member of many professional writers' organizations including SATW and ASJA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Greatest Escapes.Com Pub; illustrated edition edition (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0968613713
• ISBN-13: 978-0968613719
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,857,286 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Follow in the footsteps of notable writers, August 10, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Literary Trips 2: Following in the Footsteps of Fame (Greatestescapes.Com) (Paperback)

Use literature and literary figures to follow in the footsteps of notable writers and their settings with the aid of a title which covers many destinations, from the Prague of Kafka to Steinbeck's California setting for Cannery Row. Add first-person reflections on the literature containing the settings and you have an excellent take-along or travel planner.