An attractive, personal, superbly curated evocation of the golden age of travel right up to the present day. Travellers All is a meticulously researched work on the history of travel writing and travel writers, and seeks to rekindle a love (and hate occasionally) of the works of our finest writers.
There is a thematic approach which includes twenty-seven chapters of commentary on the experiences of the various authors on such topics as packing, means of travel, attitudes to local people, sex and love on the road, companions, food and drink, reasons for travel etc. Each chapter has sections, for example 'Everyday Living' includes a commentary (with short indicative quotes) on accommodation, daily chores, cooking, bugs, sleep (or lack of it), general filth, conversation, entertainment and so on.
A large number of the classic (and sometimes less than classic) travel books are visited and the author reflects on how travel has evolved and changed. It is hoped that brief extracts from illuminates like Cable or Crane, Thesiger or Theroux, Kinglake or Kingsley and Bryson or Bridges will develop, with the commentary, an empathy for the hopes and adventures of some wonderful works. In passing, the marvellous tapestry of past and present corners of our world, as well as of its people, are revealed through different travellers' eyes.