Michael Palin is celebrated for his dual career as a pioneering absurdist comedian and a captivating travel documentarian. Initially rising to fame as a key member of the iconic comedy troupe, he co-wrote and performed in some of the most memorable satirical sketches. Transitioning to a profound exploration of the world, Palin has since embarked on extensive journeys, documenting his experiences with a unique blend of intellectual curiosity and affable humor. His written accounts and televised series offer readers and viewers an intimate glimpse into diverse cultures and landscapes, marked by insightful observation and a genuine appreciation for the human element.
"The Palestine Festival of Literature was established in 2008. Bringiong together writers from all corners of the globe, it aims to help Palestinians break the cultural siege imposed by the Isreali military occupation, to strengthen their artistic links with the the rest of the world."--Book flap
Intrepid voyager, writer, and comedian Michael Palin explores the expeditions of the Royal Navy's HMS Erebus, which ventured to the world's extremes. The narrative begins post-Waterloo when Britain had more bomb ships than enemies. HMS Erebus, with its reinforced hull, was selected for an 1839 expedition to Antarctica, led by James Clark Ross. Despite sailing further south than anyone before, Antarctica failed to capture public interest. The British navy sought to assert its dominance by finding a route through the North-West Passage, leading to Sir John Franklin's ill-fated 1845 mission. At 59, deemed too old for such a perilous journey, Franklin and his crew set off, provisioned for three Arctic winters. They were last seen by whalers in July, and no one ever saw them again. Subsequent searches revealed the tragic fate of the explorers, who succumbed to hunger and scurvy after abandoning their ships in the ice. The mystery endured until HMS Erebus was discovered in 2014, thirty feet below Arctic waters. Palin examines the contrasting motives of the two expeditions—one scientific, the other nationalistic—through historical records and modern travels to key locations, capturing the haunting echoes of Erebus and the secrets that still lie beneath the waters of Nunavut's Queen Maud Gulf.
In this fourth volume of Michael Palin's acclaimed diaries, readers are invited into the intimate and humorous reflections of the author's life during a pivotal period. The entries capture his experiences as a celebrated actor and traveler, blending personal anecdotes with insights into his creative processes. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Palin shares his adventures, challenges, and the evolution of his career, offering a rich tapestry of life behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.
This is the script of the film which looks at what life is really all about, which featured the whole Monty Python team and was directed by Terry Jones This is a fully illustrated edition of the hilarious Python classic, which takes a pop at almost every single sacred cow of culture and includes the famous tune "Every Sperm is Sacred." Although primarily aimed at an audience of fish, Monty Python's film, The Meaning of Life, spans the whole range of human experience. It starts with the birth of a seemingly insignificant human being (especially from a haddock's point of view) who, sure enough turns out to play no further part in the film.
Michael Palin - Monty Python star and television globetrotter - brings the remarkable Erebus back to life, following it from its launch in 1826 to the epic voyages of discovery that led to glory in the Antarctic and to ultimate catastrophe in the Arctic. The ship was filled with fascinating people: the dashing and popular James Clark Ross, who charted much of the 'Great Southern Barrier'; the troubled John Franklin, whose chequered career culminated in the Erebus's final, disastrous expedition; and the eager Joseph Dalton Hooker, a brilliant naturalist - when he wasn't shooting the local wildlife dead. Vividly recounting the experiences of the men who first set foot on Antarctica's Victoria Land, and those who, just a few years later, froze to death one by one in the Arctic ice, beyond the reach of desperate rescue missions, Erebus is a wonderfully evocative account of a truly extraordinary adventure, brought to life by a master explorer and storyteller
As more and more of Estonia opens up properly to tourists, this new fifth edition is inevitably bigger and better than its predecessor. The author provides extensive coverage on new spa hotels and beaches to be explored as well as hidden manor houses and brand new concert halls to enliven stays there. Features include: *Fully updated accommodation listings *New galleries and museums to explore *A new section on Narva, for travelers en route to Russia
Tourism in Madagascar has leapt forward as a result of the cartoon film and media coverage of its culture and wildlife. The tourism infrastructure has been improved, with better roads and new luxury hotels, without compromising the focus on ecotourism. The world’s fourth largest island now appeals to a broad spectrum of visitors, from those seeking hard adventure to others content to enjoy the beautiful beaches and accessible national parks.
In this engaging third volume of Michael Palin's diaries, readers are invited into the life of the beloved actor and writer as he reflects on his adventures and experiences. The entries capture his travels, creative pursuits, and personal insights, offering a candid glimpse into the joys and challenges he faced during this period. With humor and warmth, Palin shares anecdotes that highlight both his professional endeavors and personal relationships, making it a delightful read for fans and newcomers alike.
The essential gags, sketches, and songs, handpicked and introduced by the surviving members of the Python team. The book features full-color pages of Monty Python classics in a brilliant paperback format and includes gems such as Spamalot, The Meaning of Life, and many more enduring classics.
A treasure trove of adventures, Macedonia is emerging as a top new tourist destination. With its unspoilt mountains, lakes and spas, traces of old communism, and plenty of friendly hospitality at boutique hotels it’s not hard to see why. The wines are rich, the history steeped, and the culture varied. This updated guide includes details of new historical sites, walks, accommodation and spas. In 2010 the International Herald Tribune ranked Macedonia 21st in its top 31 destinations to visit and the country also appeared in a CNN tourism special.
