'The reason why the 80-day journey retains its appeal is that it is still the minimum time needed to go round the world and notice it. To see it, smell it and touch it at the same time . . .'

More than a century on from Phileas Fogg's fictional adventure around the world, Michael Palin sets out from the Reform Club to complete the route for himself. The rules are simple, but the rest of the journey will be far from straightforward. Around the World in Eighty Days takes us on a rollicking trip across the globe in the company of one of our finest travel writers. From train to ship to hot air balloon, this is an unparalleled tribute to man's ability to make life difficult for himself . . .

"His easy-going charm and passion for discovery are captivating" - Daily Express

"Palin is as engaging a writer as he is a presenter, and one keeps turning the pages with anticipation and pleasure" - Sunday Telegraph

"Palin is the Python we all want to go abroad with" - Observer

"He observes shrewdly, writes wittily; laughs with, not at, the people he meets, and charmingly slips in a huge amount of information. His approach still towers above its imitators" - Independent

"The ultimate armchair travel book" - Guardian