Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #55350 in Books
• Published on: 1992-11-09
• Binding: Hardcover
• 498 pages

Synopsis
This volume contains humorous accounts of two journeys, one taken across America, the other a trek across Europe. "The Lost Continent" is an account of one man's rediscovery of America and his search for the perfect small town. Instead he finds a continent that is doubly lost: lost to itself because it is blighted by greed, pollution, mobile homes and television; and lost to him because he has become a foreigner in his own country. In "Neither Here Nor There", the author journeys from Hammerfest, the northernmost town on the European continent, to Istanbul. In doing so he retraces his steps as a student 20 years before, visiting countries including Norway, France and Italy.

Customer Reviews

Exaustingly hilarious
This is certainly the funniest Bill Bryson book I have read. I borrowed this book but must now buy a copy to have amongst my favourite travel books.
This book will make you embarrassingly snort out of your nose with laughter. There were pages where I exausted myself by re-reading the funniest bit and annoingly imposed those bits on others.
This book was a breath of fresh air that will bring out the best and worst in you....buy the book then rate my review. It is an excellent investment when feeling down. I must also mention it gives an exellent insight into some beautiful and horrid places of europe

Sheer Genius
It is though, (sheer genius that is) if you were in any doubt about buying this book, don't be. "Neither Here Nor There" was slightly funnier but in "The Lost Continent" Bryson sends up all the typical stereotypes of Americans. With comments and jokes about people from just about every state. It will have you either nodding your head or laughing out loud. Just don't read it in a public place! "Neither Here Nor There", I found more laugh out loud funny, but not because of Bryson mocking Europeans (which he does) but because of his anecdotes about things and his bitching in general. Also he tells us of his earlier experience in Europe as a student with his friend Stephen Katz (who travelled with him in "A Walk In The Woods").
So don't hesitate, buy it now because you'll treasure it forever!

Bryson gets lost for ideas
This book was so liberally laced with offensive expletives begining with F and S. He completely fails to use his undoubted wit and skill with language. Don't waste your time with it , if the swearing doesn't bug you, it will bore you to death anyway.