Books, glorious books! Our dear friends, windows on the world, teleporters to unique perspectives, curious stories and adventures far and wide. Lately I've found more time on my hands to dive into some exciting travel literature. Here are some of my recommendations, the books and magazines which have recently been grabbing my attention, filling my fireside winter afternoons and inspiring my next escapades!
1. The Travels. Marco Polo
Widely considered as one of the first pieces of travel writing, this is escapism literature in its purest form. Written over 800 years ago, The Travels is an immersive description of Asian and Middle Eastern culture, history and practises from the perspective of medieval Venetian Marco Polo, as he works in the courts of the mighty Tartar Emperor Khubilai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan. Marco recounts his journeys into Asia in evocative detail, from yogi warriors to battle tactics, golden palaces to strange rituals and fantastical creatures. A classic, a predecessor to travel literature, a tale to inspire medieval and modern audiences alike. Available from @penguinclassics or penguinclassics.com
2. One Year on a Bike. Martijn Doolaard
Simply put, a visual masterpiece. Doolard's epic cycling trek from the Netherlands to Singapore, told in over 300 pages of anecdotes, stories and especially stunning photographs, from breath-taking landscapes to intimate portraits. Join the Dutch cyclist and storyteller on a year of gritty, raw, beautiful adventures. This book had me planning cycling trips every time I turned a page, and made me reminisce over my trek across France. An object of wonder, to be left on a table and picked up and gazed at, time after time. If you can't get enough of Martijn's astonishing photos, give him a follow @_espiritu.libre_
3. Lionheart.
My mother introduced me to this dreamy journal a few years ago, UK based Helen Martin's bold and beautiful creation. Each issue of this independent magazine is brimming with inspiration in all its forms: travel, nature, culture, delicious recipes and wellness tips, music and book reviews, as well as many interviews with creative individuals from all sorts of different fields. There are no dreary reads here. Short, concise, motivating. Best read with your favourite brew. Don't forget to give @lionheartmag a well-deserved follow, or head to lionheart-mag.com
4. Les Others. (For French readers!)
This awe-inspiring publication is produced by a group of adventurous spirits based in the French Alps: photographers, authors, illustrators and dreamers, all driven by a desire to connect with nature, push boundaries, explore further and more sustainably. Issues are released every six months, and it is not hard to see why. Each volume is a work of art, a collection of spellbinding stories, deep reflections, questions and answers, centered on themes of adventure, discovery and the outdoors. In my opinion you need not even understand French to enjoy it, the photos alone are worth the read. Savour more incredible vistas and stories @lesothers, lesothers.com
5. The Rolling Home.
This journal crafted by editor Calum Creasey and a host of talented contributors has the beauty of redefining two key concepts: home and adventure. What does home mean, what defines adventure? This publication blends the two and explores everything they encompass: vanlife, outdoor pursuits, sustainability, remote working, far off adventures and local permacultures. The Rolling Home ticks all the boxes: beautiful shots, riveting texts, fantastic illustrations and typography. These issues are calls to not only think, but to live alternatively. To defy convention and to live adventurously. Be prepared for some serious van envy. For more, follow @therollinghome or check out therollinghome.co.uk
6. The Shortest History of Germany. James Hawes
This is what I'm currently reading! I highly recommend this book to any Germany-enthusiast. It's an authoritative yet very accessible read, diving into the history and culture of this fascinating country, from the Roman conquest to Charlemagne, the Reformation to the Second World War. I've given myself the liberty to include this under 'travel' reviews as I am planning on journeying back to Germany this year, and this time round I want to get a well-rounded and thorough look at the history of the country before I go.
'Comprehensive and vivid...I don't know of a better short history of this great country' Philip Pullman.
Here are my favourite reads at the moment, but I recognize the universe of travel books and journals is truly endless. I am always on the lookout for new literary escapades. Please leave a comment or get in touch if you have recommendations!
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