Traveller Life: The Fascinating Journey of Eric Newby

Are you someone who yearns for adventure and discovery? Do you dream of exploring far-flung places, immersing yourself in different cultures, and collecting stories along the way? If so, you will find inspiration in the life and travels of Eric Newby.

A Glimpse into Eric Newby's Early Life

Born on December 6, 1919, in London, Eric Newby had a rather unique childhood. He grew up surrounded by travel and foreign cultures, as his father worked as a professional geographer and frequently took the family on educational trips. These early experiences ignited a passion for exploration in young Eric, setting the stage for his incredible journey as a traveller later in life.

A Traveller’s Life

by Eric Newby (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2492 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

From the British Army to Captivating Travel Tales

Newby's adventure truly began during World War II. He enlisted in the British Army where he served as an officer in the Special Boat Section, a unit of the Royal Navy. His wartime experiences took him to places like North Africa and Italy, but it was his time as a prisoner of war in Italy that shaped his future endeavors.

During his captivity, Newby escaped and attempted to cross the border into neutral Switzerland. While he was eventually captured and sent to a German POW camp, his escape attempt fueled his wanderlust and desire for freedom. It planted the seed that would drive him to seek out new lands and experiences once the war ended.

Around the World with Eric Newby

After the war, Newby embarked on his first major journey – a remarkable adventure that would shape the rest of his life. In 1951, he set out on an epic solo trek through the Hindu Kush, a mountain range in Central Asia, in what is now Afghanistan. This daring expedition became the basis for his first book, "A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush," which catapulted him into the world of travel writing.

"A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush" captivated readers with its vivid descriptions, humor, and Newby's ability to transform ordinary encounters into extraordinary tales. His unique writing style, in which he combined personal anecdotes with deep cultural insights, made his travel books immensely popular.

Throughout his life, Newby continued to explore the world, visiting countries like Afghanistan, Peru, China, Italy, and many more. His travels took him to remote regions, uncharted territories, and bustling cities alike, always with an insatiable curiosity and appreciation for the diversity of the world.

The Legacy of Eric Newby

Eric Newby's journey as a traveller not only left an indelible mark on him but also on the millions of readers who devoured his books. His tales of adventure, endurance, and cultural exploration served as an inspiration to countless individuals, urging them to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the unknown.

Newby published a total of 16 travel books during his lifetime, each one filled with anecdotes, historical context, and the sheer joy of discovery. His writing transported readers to distant lands, allowing them to experience the sights, sounds, and emotions of his adventures.

Even after his passing on October 20, 2006, at the age of 86, Eric Newby's legacy lives on. His books continue to enchant generations of travellers, reminding us of the beauty of our planet and the endless possibilities that await us beyond our familiar surroundings.

Eric Newby's life as a traveller serves as a testament to the transformative power of exploration. Through his extraordinary journeys, he not only discovered the world but also unraveled the potential within himself. His captivating travel tales have stood the test of time, inspiring wanderers worldwide to seek adventure, gain cultural understanding, and embrace the thrill of the unknown.

So, the next time you find yourself longing for a new adventure or curious about the far corners of the earth, pick up one of Eric Newby's books. Allow his words to transport you on a journey of exploration, where you can experience the world through his eyes and appreciate the beauty of our diverse planet.

A Traveller’s Life

by Eric Newby (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2492 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

A chronicle of travels, some homely some exotic, from the man who can make a schoolboy holiday in Swanage as colourful as a walk in the Hindu Kush.

Eric Newby's life of travel began in 1919, on pram-ride adventures with his mother into the dark streets of Barnes and the chaotic jungles of Harrods, and progressed to solo, school-bound adventures around the slums of darkest Hammersmith. His interest piqued, Newby's wanderlust snowballed, and his adventures multiplied, as he navigated the London sewer system, bicycled to Italy and meandered the wilds of New York's Broadway. Whether travelling abroad as a high-fashion buyer for a British department store or for pure adventure as a travel writer, even when reluctantly participating in a tiger shoot in India, Newby chronicles his adventures with verve, humour and infectious enthusiasm.

After nine years as the travel editor for the Observer, Newby reluctantly gave up the post, eschewing the new form of human-as-freight travel. However, this change was certainly no pity for his readers, as the latter-day Newby continued on his unwavering quest for fascinating detail and adventure wherever he roamed, whether on two feet or two wheels. ‘A Traveller's Life’ chronicles the incredible adventures of one of the best-loved tour guides in the history of travel writing.