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The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow

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The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow

By: A. J. Mackinnon
Narrated by: A. J. Mackinnon
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A revitalised edition of this much-loved best seller.

Truly hilarious books are rare. Even rarer are those based on real events. Join A.J. Mackinnon, your charming and eccentric guide, on an amazing voyage in a boat called Jack de Crow.

A couple of quiet weeks sailing the River Severn was the intention. Somehow things got out of hand—a year later, I had reached Romania and was still going....

Equipped with his cheerful optimism and a pith helmet, this Australian Odysseus in a dinghy travels from the borders of North Wales to the Black Sea—4,900 kilometres over salt and fresh water, under sail, at the oars, or at the end of a tow-rope—through 12 countries, 282 locks and numerous trials and adventures, including an encounter with Balkan pirates. Along the way he experiences the kindness of strangers, gets very lost and perfects the art of slow travel.

©2009 A. J. Mackinnon (P)2022 W F Howes Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Sailing Sailing & Boating Travel Writing & Commentary Water Sports Funny Witty
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Critic reviews

"A marvellous adventure, and Mackinnon recounts it with humour and unflagging enthusiasm...a clever and entirely engaging read." (Melbourne Times)

"A great travel writer and more importantly a great traveller." (Sydney Morning Herald)

"Not just an adventurer, but an artist, philosopher and keen observer of the world around him." (Canberra Times)
All stars
Most relevant
I have been aware of the journey this book describes for almost two decades. Various people have mentioned it to me, and told me to read the book, I even know a former pupil of Ellesmere College who recounted it to me. I have read Sam Llewellyn's 'The worst journey in the midlands' which is mentioned, and shares some similarities. (Shrewsbury weir - who's combatants both avoid being 'horribly mangled'). For some reason I have only just listened to it now. It is excellent - modestly and compellingly written. The author is an excellent story teller, and winds into the narrative the history, characters and atmosphere of the countries he is passing through, without it feeling like a school lesson (perhaps, then, the best kind of teacher).

A true adventure, excellently told.

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