True North: Travels in Arctic Europe [Paperback]

Gavin Francis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2010

The stark, vast beauty of the remote Arctic Europe landscape has been the focus of human exploration for thousands of years. In this striking blend of travel writing, history and mythology, Gavin Francis offers a unique portrait of the northern fringes of Europe. His journey begins in the Shetland Isles, takes him to the Faroes, Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard and on to Lapland. Following in the footsteps of the region's early pioneers, Francis observes how the region has adapted to the 21st century, giving an observed insight into the lives of people he encounters along the way. As with all the best travel writing, "True North" is an engaging, compassionate tale of self-discovery, whilst blending historical and contemporary narratives in the tradition of Bruce Chatwin and Robert Macfarlane.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A great web of interconnecting sagas' --The Scotsman

About the Author

Gavin Francis was born in Fife and currently lives in Edinburgh. His interest in history and travel has seen him pass through Europe, India, Africa and South America as well as spending a year on a remote base in Antarctica. His latest travel plan is to travel by motorbike from Edinburgh to New Zealand with his wife.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Polygon; 2 edition (May 30, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846971306
• ISBN-13: 978-1846971303
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,472,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A good intro to the North, March 12, 2011

By 

MDt "MDt" - See all my reviews

This review is from: True North: Travels in Arctic Europe (Paperback)

I'm a fan of Paul Theroux travel writing and found Gavin Francis' style similar (sans trains). Recommended read for an intro to the North if your geography's as fuzzy there as mine-- but it's much more enjoyable if you have an atlas beside you to get the big picture, as the simple line drawings in the book are dull.