- Unknown Binding
- Publisher: Little Brown & Co (14 Oct 2004)
- ISBN-10: 0356238857
- ISBN-13: 978-0356238852
- Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 5,117,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Long Way Round is the tale of a remarkable journey taken (on motorbike) by two men. The fact that those men are figures with notable film connections (Ewan McGregor is one of Britain’s most successful actors, Charley Boorman is the son of the celebrated director John Boorman) may be the reason the book got written – and the accompanying television series got made – but so what? This epic trip is conveyed with real élan by its two authors, and there are arguments for preferring the written word over the image: while the latter may convey the exhilaration of the journey more directly, the book is infinitely more subtle in presenting the mindset of its two (often-beleaguered) travellers. Their co-writer Robert Uhlig has cannily conveyed the similar (but at the same time, very different) personalities of the two men, and it’s one of the pleasures of the book.
McGregor, for whom motorbikes are as important as his acting career, was gazing at a map of the world when it occurred to him that it was possible to ride by bike all the way round the world (with just a smidgen of cheating around the Bering Strait), and he suggested over a meal with best friend and fellow thesp Charley Boorman, that the pair might chase their shadows from London to New York, across the Pacific to Alaska and other far-flung parts.
Needless to say, catastrophe matches the adventure at every turn, and encounters with gun-toting Ukrainians, Mongolian Nomads and (most dangerous of all) ruthless paparazzi add to the stress levels. But the 20,000 miles covered by the pair, however arduous for them, makes for a highly diverting experience for the reader. Now how do they follow this? Motorbikes are not built for lunar excursions… --Barry Forshaw --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
Both McGregor and Boorman prove themselves to be engaging, articulate and entertaining narrators ... a highly readable and spiritually uplifting book about a dream come true (WANDERLUST )
Touching and memorable ... one for armchair travellers and bike freaks (DAILY MAIL )
Long Way Round is the tale of a remarkable journey taken (on motorbike) by two men. The fact that those men are figures with notable film connections (Ewan McGregor is one of Britain's most successful actors, Charley Boorman is the son of the celebrated director John Boorman) may be the reason the book got written - and the accompanying television series got made - but so what? This epic trip is conveyed with real élan by its two authors, and there are arguments for preferring the written word over the image: while the latter may convey the exhilaration of the journey more directly, the book is infinitely more subtle in presenting the mindset of its two (often-beleaguered) travellers. Their co-writer Robert Uhlig has cannily conveyed the similar (but at the same time, very different) personalities of the two men, and it's one of the pleasures of the book. McGregor, for whom motorbikes are as important as his acting career, was gazing at a map of the world when it occurred to him that it was possible to ride by bike all the way round the world (with just a smidgen of cheating around the Bering Strait), and he suggested over a meal with best friend and fellow thesp Charley Boorman, that the pair might chase their shadows from London to New York, across the Pacific to Alaska and other far-flung parts. (Needless to say, catastrophe matches the adventure at every turn, and encounters with gun-toting Ukrainians, Mongolian Nomads and (most dangerous of all) ruthless paparazzi add to the stress levels. But the 20,000 miles covered by the pair, however arduou )
Barry Forshaw, AMAZON.CO.UK ('It's like Michael Palin but with added sex appeal.’ ) --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Touching and memorable ... one for armchair travellers and bike freaks (DAILY MAIL )
Long Way Round is the tale of a remarkable journey taken (on motorbike) by two men. The fact that those men are figures with notable film connections (Ewan McGregor is one of Britain's most successful actors, Charley Boorman is the son of the celebrated director John Boorman) may be the reason the book got written - and the accompanying television series got made - but so what? This epic trip is conveyed with real élan by its two authors, and there are arguments for preferring the written word over the image: while the latter may convey the exhilaration of the journey more directly, the book is infinitely more subtle in presenting the mindset of its two (often-beleaguered) travellers. Their co-writer Robert Uhlig has cannily conveyed the similar (but at the same time, very different) personalities of the two men, and it's one of the pleasures of the book. McGregor, for whom motorbikes are as important as his acting career, was gazing at a map of the world when it occurred to him that it was possible to ride by bike all the way round the world (with just a smidgen of cheating around the Bering Strait), and he suggested over a meal with best friend and fellow thesp Charley Boorman, that the pair might chase their shadows from London to New York, across the Pacific to Alaska and other far-flung parts. (Needless to say, catastrophe matches the adventure at every turn, and encounters with gun-toting Ukrainians, Mongolian Nomads and (most dangerous of all) ruthless paparazzi add to the stress levels. But the 20,000 miles covered by the pair, however arduou )
Barry Forshaw, AMAZON.CO.UK ('It's like Michael Palin but with added sex appeal.’ ) --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
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First Sentence
EWAN: On the last day, I walked down to the harbour. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
EWAN: On the last day, I walked down to the harbour. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As a biker I can safely say this book describes a bikers dream come true. To ride around the world with a very healthy budget and all the toys that come with money/sponsorship. The book really gets over the difficulties endured and how much both Charly & Ewan missed their family. Some of it will make you laugh out loud or bring a lump to your throat. They are both keen motorcyclists who are human beings, not just movie stars. Written in the first person the book brings you close to both of them, letting you know what they were thinking, a lot more so than the television program lets on. I read it cover to cover in 5 days.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A friend introduced "The Long Way Round" to me, saying they loved it and thought I would too. I hadn't heard of it at the time, but then uni often involves being lost in the student based world with little outside current world knowledge. I watched a trailer on YouTube to see what it was like and was instantly caught by the idea, ... two friends on an adventure around the world. Im not a fan of motorcycles, but visiting countries you only imagine you would talk about and never visit, meeting people from different cultures and seeing amazing sights, its something few people would say no to if they had the money and time, right?! I watched one episode and was hooked, and reading a review on here saying the book gave a better insight into the personal thoughts and more detail of the feelings of the two actors, I decided to buy it first (after all, in most cases the book is better!). So I bought it today and am already half way through. I was originally a bit disappointed with the focus on the bikes at the start, but then it is their true passion. However, as I read on, you really do start to feel what they went through, and it's gripping! It is not meerly a day-by-day recital of thier trip, but a window to the emotions and experiences felt by them both. And like people have said before...it's not about the bikes, its about the adventure, experiencing the world with a true friend at your side!! I recommend this to anyone who is interested in the series!
56 of 61 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have been following Ewan and Charley journey via MCN and since they completed their epic journey have been looking forward to the release of the book. I was not disappointed. The way the book is written is such a refreshing change from usual travel books. Ewan and Charley take turns to write about parts of the journey each with a candid view of how each stage affected them including the strain on their friendship and their relationship with the support crew. It's a warts and all view of an epic journey covering the highs and the very lows in personal terms. Having read the book not only do I feel like I travelled with them I have got to know them as well.
I am a biker myself and Its nice to read other bikers talking about how things really are and the short comings in their own skills and confidence. Ewan and Charley are more than just Celebrity Actors they are true Bikers great friends and very likeable people who care about this adventure and the people they meet. I enjoyed every page of this book and when I finished my wife who hates bikes has started reading it and she seems to find enough to keep her reading as well.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great holiday read
A nicely written book that really gives you an insight into the trip, Macgregors contribution is genuine, often heartfelt and thought provoking. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sharknose
Most Enjoyable Non Fiction Book i have Read
Bought this in 2005 at a time when I had a new job and was travelling by train. I loved it. I got really involved in the boyhood innocence of what they wanted to do and the trials... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Mr. S. Mckee
Don't use for travel inspriation!
I'm not really sure why I decided to start reading this book, out of all the titles on the shelf - probably to do some armchair travelling. Read more
Published 22 months ago by trendytracey
excellent purchase
If you liked the tv series ,this book is a must ,goes into so much more detail.The way it is written you feel as if you are part of the journey.
Published on 17 Oct 2009 by Mr. P. J. Hosking
poor service
very pleased with prompt delivery but unit had missing screws and broken and missing inserts for bottom of lader legs. Called twice and told parts would be sent staight away. Read more
Published on 4 Feb 2009 by John I. Dixon
long way round h/back book
an easy read chock full off all the things boorman & obi-wan are known for.mor photos would have helped,but a good read nontheless. thewizardfromaus
Published on 16 Jan 2009 by Mrs. S. A. Knibbs
Reasonably entertaining
I got through it fairly quickly, which should mean that I found it sufficiently captivating. If you have a passion for motorcycles, it helps. Read more
Published on 5 Nov 2008 by Censuwine
brilliant
I picked up this book to take on holiday. It's gripping reading and I managed to get through the whole thing comfortably in a week. The 350 or so pages have fairly large text. Read more
Published on 3 Aug 2008 by Richard Stowey
This Book Changed My Life
That may seem a little over the top, but this book was recommended to me by a friend to take with me on a 2 month gap year trip to Outer Mongolia. Read more
Published on 19 July 2008 by E. Huxtable
If you want to read a travel book with a difference this is the book...
A spiritual uplifting read that you don't even have to be into bikes to be able to enjoy.
This book is about two friends doing what they love the most, whilst meeting people... Read more
This book is about two friends doing what they love the most, whilst meeting people... Read more
Published on 16 May 2008 by Daniel Storey
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