The World: Life and Travel 1950-2000

What I look for in travel books, more than information, is that they evoke the feeling of the place. I want the writing to take me there and make me experience it. Jan Morris is one of the few writers that usually achieves this. Not always, because some of the stories (the Middle East ones come to memory) are more informative than evocative, but still interesting. The fact that all the stories in the book are short is also a plus because it helps to focus on the spirit of the place. I haven't finished the book (I'm reading only one story at a time) but I've already found some little masterpieces. One is Chicago (who would suspect Chicago can produce a fascinating travel article?), and the last part of the article about Lebanon is among the best descriptive writing I have ever read. The article on Lima is not even 2 pages long and yet wonderful at capturing the essence of the city in those days. There are many more, I could go on and on. A real pleasure to read.

Jan Morris brings you the world. A great companion.

I am half-way through Jan's beautiful book of narratives and absolutely loving it. I would reccommend this to anyone with an adventurous spirit and an appreciation for great writing. Jan captures the world in her magnificent prose and makes it look easy.

Nice, quick transaction😊