Description
Book SynopsisAs a professional travel writer and editor for the past 40 years, Don George has been paid to explore the world. Through the decades, his articles have been published in magazines, newspapers, and websites around the globe and have won more awards than almost any other travel writer alive, yet his pieces have never been collected into one volume.
The Way of Wanderlust: The Best Travel Writing of Don George fills this void with a moving and inspiring collection of tales and reflections from one of America’s most acclaimed and beloved travel writers.
From his high-spirited account of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on a whim when he was 22 years old to his heart-plucking description of a home-stay in a muddy compound in Cambodia as a 61-year-old, this collection ranges widely. As renowned for his insightful observations as for his poetic prose, George always absorbs the essence of the places he’s visiting.
Other stories here include a moving encounter with Australia’s sacred red rock monolith, Uluru; an immersion in country kindness on the Japanese island of Shikoku; the trials and triumphs of ascending Yosemite’s Half Dome with his wife and children; and a magical morning at Machu Picchu.
Trade ReviewThese stories made me fall in love with the world again.” Isabel Allende
Don George is a legendary travel writer and editor.”
National GeographicWhat shines with crystal clarity through all of these wise and wonderful essays is Don George’s irrepressible generosity of spirit. He loves the world he finds, and the world loves him back in equal measure. Those of us lucky enough to know him have long recognized Don as a seriously life-enhancing kind of fellow: this marvelous collection serves amply to reinforce the notion. And no: no favors were sought or offered for this message. Not a one.”
Simon Winchester
Don George is an inveterate adventurer and master storyteller, with the biggest, most generous heart on the open road.” Andrew McCarthy
Don George describes himself as a travel evangelist’ but he is much more than that. Yes, he loves to talk about the life-changing possibilities of travel, which started for him when he visited Paris in college. But he is also a best-selling author and writer, regarded by many as the preeminent travel writer of his generation.” Christopher Elliott
Table of ContentsForeword by Pico Iyer
Introduction by Don George
Short prologues precede each story
Pilgrimages
1. Climbing Kilimanjaro
2. Sunrise at Uluru
3. Delos Diary
4. Notre-Dame
5. Conquering Half Dome
6. Japan’s Past PerfectShikoku
7. Machu Picchu Magic
8. Ryoanji reflections
9. Family Adventure in the Galapagos
10. A Pilgrim at Stinson Beach
11. Thanksgiving in Connecticut
Encounters
1. In Love, in Greece, in the Springtime
2. Pakistan Karakoram Postcard
3. Dubrovnik
4. A Day in the Life of Dubbo
5. Baja: Touched by a Whale
6. Insights into Nice at the Musee Matisse
7. Making Roof Tiles in Peru
8. Building Bridges in Mostar
9. Spin the GlobeEl Salvador
10. JordanExhilarating Encounters, Enduring Lessons
11. Living-history Lessons in Berlin
Illuminations
1. Pythion
2. Japanese Wedding
3. At the Musee d’Orsay
4. Prambanan in the Moonlight
5. AitutakiFinding salvation in the South Seas
6. AfricaWildlife Illuminations
7. Unexpected Offerings on a Return to Bali
8. French ConnectionsSaint Paul
9. Lynn Ferrin
10. The Intricate WeaveItaly
11. Finding a Sense of Home Abroad
Epilogue: Every journey Is a Pilgrimage
