Departures and Arrivals

More episodes from the life and travels of one of our most celebrated travel writers.

This latest book demonstrates exactly why Newby has become a national treasure – his love of the unknown, the unusual and the totally absurd, combined with his sharp observation and glorious wit, are here for both his loyal audience and new admirers to relish.

Like this book, Newby’s life has been episodic, a string of situations into which he has thrown himself with verve, humour and fortitude. With pieces about England, India, Italy, Yemen, Turkey and Holland, among many other places, Departures and Arrivals will be hailed as another triumph of travel literature.

From Barnes to Beijing, Syria to Shekhavati, Purbeck to Palio, Newby and his most faithful travelling companion and wife, Wanda, never fail to delight and inform.

About the author

Eric Newby was born in London in 1919 and educated at St Paul’s School. During the Second World War he served in the Black Watch and Special Boat Section, and was a prisoner of war from 1942-5. For many years he was travel editor of the Observer. He is the author of many travel books, including What the Traveller Saw and A Small Place in Italy.