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Book synopsis

Octogenarian Anthony Smith's journey was originally inspired by both the Kontiki Expedition of Thor Heyerdahl (who he knew) and the incredible story of the survivors of a 1940 boat disaster, who spent 70 days drifting through the Atlantic on a raft, eventually reaching land emaciated and close to death. While this might sound like a voyage no-one would wish to emulate, to octogenarian Anthony Smith it sounded like an adventure, and he placed a typically straightforward advertisement in the Telegraph that read "Fancy rafting across the Atlantic? Famous traveller requires 3 crew. Must be OAP. Serious adventurers only." In his inimitable style, Anthony details their voyage and the hardships they endured with a matter-of-fact air that makes his story seem all the more impressive. His advanced age allows him a wider perspective not only on the journey but on life itself, and his never-say-die attitude to the difficulty of the journey is truly inspirational. 'Old men ought to be explorers' said T.S. Eliot, and this book certainly gives a compelling argument in his favour. It is both a great story (a huge storm on the final night of the voyage almost wrecked them on a reef) and a call to action for the older generation - do not go quietly, says Anthony Smith, but seek out adventure as long as you are able.

Book details

Book category Books in English Lifestyle, sport & leisure Travel & holiday Travel writing

• Full title: Old Man and the Sea
• Author: Anthony Smith
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardback
• Number of pages: 240
• EAN: 9781472115218
• ISBN: 147211521X
• ID: 04804700
• Publisher: Constable
• Weight: 506 g
• Dimensions: 234 × 153 × 23 mm
• Date of publishing: 05. February 2015

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