Product Description

In the late '70s Ted Simon rode 63,000 miles over four years through fifty-four countries in a journey that took him around the world. Through breakdowns, prison, war, revolutions, disasters and a Californian commune, he travelled into the depths of fear and reached the heights of euphoria. He met astonishing people and was treated as a spy, a welcome stranger and even a god. For Simon the trip became a journey into his own soul, and for many others - including bikers Charley Boorman and Ewan McGrergor - it provides an inspiration they will never forget.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5641 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

About the Author
Brought up in England by a German mother and a Romanian father, Ted Simon found himself impelled by an insatiable desire to explore the world. It led him to abandon an early scientific career in favour of journalism, and he has worked for several newspapers and magazines on Fleet Street and elsewhere. Ted Simon is also the author of Riding Home and The Gypsy in Me.

Customer Reviews

Jupiter v Charlie & Ewan
Why did Charlie and Ewan set off on "The Long Way Round" I will bet it was all down to Ted Simon and Jupiters Travels. I first read this book in 1979 and have always held a copy. It is not a travel guide but an insight into one man and his endurance to circumnavigate the globe in an age when Triumph motorcycles were a force to be reconed with. Charlie and Ewan only went from England to America as a team with a back up crew and a photographer. Ted did it by himself with just a Triumph and the help of locals along the way.
Guess who Charlie and Ewan met along the way, yes Ted Simons.
Before Marriage and Kids, Ted did my dream.
A book that you can't put down.

Most compelling book i've ever read
I came to this site, trying to find out what happened to Ted Simons. I've just read this book again, probably 7th time now over the last 15 years and find it impossable to put down every time. The first time it enspired me to go on my own overland travel experience which i will be eternally grateful to Ted SImons. A fantastic book, try the subsequent book "Riding Home", which i am also just re-reading. I'm glad to see from the other responses here, that he's still at it, anyone got more information on his latest trip?

My favourite travel book.Un-put-downable
See, feel, smell & taste your way around the world with this fabulous account.Ted Simon just totally connects with the reader & instanly you are there with him. A quarter of a century after the actual journey the whole book is still relevant.It's amazing how many of the dangerous hot-spots are still hot.The characters he meets reflect their surroundings & vice versa, but in many cases are ignorant & unaware that they do. A tremendous look at the human species & the world we inhabit & try to shape.Brilliant!