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Title details for The Last Overland by Alex Bescoby - Available

The Last Overland

Singapore to London: The Return Journey of an Iconic Land Rover Expedition

by Alex Bescoby
Alex Bescoby
Audiobook
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THE STORY BEHIND ALL 4'S POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY SERIES
In 1955, a young TV producer named David Attenborough was approached by six graduates determined to drive the entire length of Eurasia from London to Singapore. It was the 'unclimbed Everest of motoring' – many had tried, none had succeeded. Sensing this time might be different, Attenborough gave them enough film reel to cover their attempt. The 19,000-mile journey, captured in the BBC's series TRAVELLERS' TALES and in Tim Slessor's book THE FIRST OVERLAND, captivated a nation. But fifty years later, Attenborough said he didn't think the journey could be made again today.
Inspired and desperate to prove Attenborough wrong, Alex Bescoby contacted Tim Slessor and together they planned to recreate the trip, this time from Singapore to London. In awe of the unstoppable Tim, and haunted by his own grandfather's deterioration due to tragedy and dementia, Alex soon finds himself on the defining trip of his lifetime and discovers how the world has changed for better – and for worse – since the First Overland.
"This is a fabulous adventure – reckless, insanely ambitious and filled with sweat, tears and laughter...irresistible reading." JOANNA LUMLEY

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    November 1, 2022

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781004099559
      • File size: 298280 KB
      • Duration: 10:21:24

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      In a tone of romantic adventure, Alex Bescoby narrates his account of the 2019 road expedition he led from Singapore to London--16,000 miles. Retracing a famed 1950s expedition, which took place in an Oxford model Land Rover, Bescoby travels roughly the same course under the guidance of Tim Slessor, who was also part of the earlier journey. As they prepare for the current trip, the hearty debate over the safest route reveals how the world has changed since the mid-twentieth century. Bescoby shows good humor as he slips in the occasional quip about regulations and bureaucratic hassles. He often shifts into a philosophical tone about the nature of travel or the health issues of a family member. Bescoby ends with a 2020 visit with Slessor, which reminds listeners that the world has changed even more in just a few years. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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