The Tao of Travel: Enlightenments from Lives on the Road

Traveller and travel writer Paul Theroux published The Tao of Travel in as less of a traditional travel book and more of a discourse on writing about travel and about the concept of travel itself. I did not expect this book to be a collection of quotations on the misery, loneliness, and joys of travel – really, on the paradox that travel necessarily brings to a traveller given the variety of sights in the world and people seeing the sights. He includes insightful observations from centuries of travelers, from people of all nationalities, all ages, and all socio-economic levels – from Marco Polo to the teenage girl who sailed around the world. One chapter discusses packing lists, from a crushed gown at the bottom of a woman’s show more rucksack to many, many trunks of gear for a couple weeks in the middle of nowhere. I read the chapter on ordeals sitting at the beach in the south of France, soaking up sun and having beer brought to my chair by a shirtless French guy. He tells about those travelers who have had stones thrown at them by the locals. He describes awful stomach issues and other sicknesses. An interesting book, unexpectedly enjoyable, and obviously a quick read with many, many quotations to be recorded and looked to later for inspiration, comfort, or a good laugh. show less

This is, in general, a good book. I like the way in which he has excerpted and classified different authors and themes.

What I like also, is the fact that there are lots and lots of marvellous quotes! So, it is good

The snippets are interesting enough for the armchair traveller, and for one who wants inspiration before writing a travel book

This is a very engaging sampler of passages from a wide array of travel writers. Theroux groups his selection into interesting categories: Writers and the Places They Never Visited, Perverse Pleasures of the Inhospitable, Everything is Edible Somewhere. Wonderful variety from classic and modern travel writing. I enjoyed it all. Well, some of the passages about what was eaten had to be skipped.

Not what I was expecting. Quotes from fellow travelers. Interesting. Just not the Theroux I was expecting.

Largely a series of excerpts on travel and travel writing from other writers over the years. Some gems, but a book to be sampled rather than read cover to cover.

A nice collection of travel philosophy compiled by master travel writer Paul Theroux.

A collection of tidbits profiling all the greats who made travel and writing about their sole vocation starting with Hieun Tsan.