Michael Palin Libros

Intrepid voyager, writer, and comedian Michael Palin explores the expeditions of the Royal Navy's HMS Erebus, which ventured to the world's extremes. The narrative begins post-Waterloo when Britain had more bomb ships than enemies. HMS Erebus, with its reinforced hull, was selected for an 1839 expedition to Antarctica, led by James Clark Ross. Despite sailing further south than anyone before, Antarctica failed to capture public interest. The British navy sought to assert its dominance by finding a route through the North-West Passage, leading to Sir John Franklin's ill-fated 1845 mission. At 59, deemed too old for such a perilous journey, Franklin and his crew set off, provisioned for three Arctic winters. They were last seen by whalers in July, and no one ever saw them again. Subsequent searches revealed the tragic fate of the explorers, who succumbed to hunger and scurvy after abandoning their ships in the ice. The mystery endured until HMS Erebus was discovered in 2014, thirty feet below Arctic waters. Palin examines the contrasting motives of the two expeditions—one scientific, the other nationalistic—through historical records and modern travels to key locations, capturing the haunting echoes of Erebus and the secrets that still lie beneath the waters of Nunavut's Queen Maud Gulf.

The second volume of Michael Palin’s diaries spans the 1980s, a decade marked by the loosening ties of the Pythons after their last film, Monty Python’s Meaning of Life, in 1983. During this period, writing and acting dominated Palin's life, highlighted by his role as the stuttering Ken in A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. This volume chronicles his journey through seven films, culminating in his preparations for the transformative documentary, Around the World in 80 Days. Palin co-wrote and acted in Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits and starred in Brazil, while also co-producing and leading in The Missionary alongside Maggie Smith. His television work included East of Ipswich, reflecting his connections to Suffolk, and he was drawn into hosting the popular Saturday Night Live in the US. Additionally, he filmed a segment for the BBC’s Great Railway Journeys and became chairman of the pressure group Transport 2000. Throughout these years, his life with Helen and their growing children remains a constant, and his joy in writing shines through as he expresses his wonder at the world of screens, both large and small.

This is the script of the film which looks at what life is really all about, which featured the whole Monty Python team and was directed by Terry Jones This is a fully illustrated edition of the hilarious Python classic, which takes a pop at almost every single sacred cow of culture and includes the famous tune "Every Sperm is Sacred." Although primarily aimed at an audience of fish, Monty Python's film, The Meaning of Life, spans the whole range of human experience. It starts with the birth of a seemingly insignificant human being (especially from a haddock's point of view) who, sure enough turns out to play no further part in the film.

Michael Palin - Monty Python star and television globetrotter - brings the remarkable Erebus back to life, following it from its launch in 1826 to the epic voyages of discovery that led to glory in the Antarctic and to ultimate catastrophe in the Arctic. The ship was filled with fascinating people: the dashing and popular James Clark Ross, who charted much of the 'Great Southern Barrier'; the troubled John Franklin, whose chequered career culminated in the Erebus's final, disastrous expedition; and the eager Joseph Dalton Hooker, a brilliant naturalist - when he wasn't shooting the local wildlife dead. Vividly recounting the experiences of the men who first set foot on Antarctica's Victoria Land, and those who, just a few years later, froze to death one by one in the Arctic ice, beyond the reach of desperate rescue missions, Erebus is a wonderfully evocative account of a truly extraordinary adventure, brought to life by a master explorer and storyteller

In this engaging third volume of Michael Palin's diaries, readers are invited into the life of the beloved actor and writer as he reflects on his adventures and experiences. The entries capture his travels, creative pursuits, and personal insights, offering a candid glimpse into the joys and challenges he faced during this period. With humor and warmth, Palin shares anecdotes that highlight both his professional endeavors and personal relationships, making it a delightful read for fans and newcomers alike.

The essential gags, sketches, and songs, handpicked and introduced by the surviving members of the Python team. The book features full-color pages of Monty Python classics in a brilliant paperback format and includes gems such as Spamalot, The Meaning of Life, and many more enduring classics.

'Thiago is a master craftsman, serving up fresh and original dishes from one of the richest natural larders in the world.' - Michael Palin describing the author of Brazilian Food.

Following the success of Inside Sahara, photographer Basil Pao documents another of Michael Palin's unforgettable journeys, this time to the top of the world: the amazing, breathtaking Himalayas. The 300 resulting photographs provide a dramatic visual record of an extraordinary trip, and will be tied to a Travel Channel special program.Armchair explorers, connoisseurs of fine photography, and fans of Michael Palin will gladly come along on this memorable expedition to some of the world's most inhospitable, yet exquisite, terrain. The adventure-the longest and most challenging that Palin has taken during his long career-extends from the deserts of Afghanistan to the sheer slopes of Mount Everest, passing through Pakistan, India, Nepal, Tibet, China, and Bangladesh. Along the way Basil Pao expertly captures the magical appeal of the region and its diverse landscapes, peoples, and cultures. Look into the infamous Tora Bora Mountains in Afghanistan; the storied Khyber Pass; the ancient cities of Peshawar, Taxila, and Lahore; the Bay of Bengal; and the mighty peaks of K2. In addition, intimate shots of Michael and his film crew at work and relaxing off-air give fascinating insight into the making of the TV series about the voyage.

This third volume of Michael Palin's acclaimed diaries chronicles his career shift into travel after years in film and writing. Beginning in September 1988, it captures his journey along the Adriatic as part of a modern-day adventure inspired by AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. Despite not being the BBC's first choice for the series, its success led to heightened public demand. Throughout this dynamic period, Palin remained busy with various projects, including acting roles following the success of A FISH CALLED WANDA. His next film, AMERICAN FRIENDS, draws from his great-grandfather's diaries, and he takes on a challenging role in the drama series GBH. Additionally, he ventures into theater with THE WEEKEND, writes his first novel, HEMINGWAY'S CHAIR, and stars in FIERCE CREATURES, the sequel to WANDA. Describing himself as drawn to risk, Palin embraces opportunities, leading to two more travel series, POLE TO POLE and FULL CIRCLE, along with accompanying bestselling books. These diaries reveal a man seizing every chance while candidly addressing the doubts and challenges he faces. Anchored by his family life, this volume showcases a decade of exploration, curiosity, and adventure, offering treasures on every page for his expanding readership.

In this captivating journey, Michael Palin embarks on an epic adventure from the North Pole to the South Pole, traversing 17 countries through diverse modes of transport including trains, trucks, and bicycles. Along the way, he encounters a myriad of fascinating characters and breathtaking landscapes, all while pushing his endurance to the limit. His adventure begins with a surreal initiation into the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, leading him through the Arctic's chilling embrace and snowstorms in Spitsbergen. As he navigates friendly locals, dodges occasional gunfire, and grapples with an unruly digestive system, he ultimately stands in Scott's footsteps at the South Pole, in the Land of the Midnight Sun. This journey is a must-read for aspiring travelers, showcasing Palin's engaging and witty writing style that vividly captures the essence of the people and places he encounters. The updated edition features double the number of location photographs, blending classic travel writing with insightful observations. Critics praise Palin as a delightful companion, noting his humor, keen observation, and unforced wit, making every page a pleasure to read.