The Armchair Traveller Bargain Book Box (15 Books)

The Armchair Traveller Bargain Book Box (15 Books)

Satisfy your wanderlust without leaving your living room with this immersive collection of travel writing, history, and exploration. From the rugged peaks of the Caucasus mountains and the sun-drenched islands of the Mediterranean to the haunted landscapes of the Cold War and the wild coasts of Britain, these books offer more than just a change of scenery—they offer a change of perspective. Featuring acclaimed authors like Jan Morris, Sara Wheeler, and Michael Portillo, this box is a passport to the world’s most fascinating journeys, perfect for anyone who loves to explore the history, culture, and soul of a place.

1. Exiles: Three Island Journeys by William Atkins A moving and masterful exploration of isolation. Atkins travels to three remote islands—St Helena, Sakhalin, and New Caledonia—to tell the stories of the political prisoners and outcasts exiled there, weaving together history, travelogue, and biography.

2. Great American Railroad Journeys by Michael Portillo All aboard for a historical adventure across the United States. Following the 1879 guide by George Appleton, this book traces the transcontinental railway lines that built a nation, mixing vibrant history with the thrill of the open track.

3. Glowing Still: A Woman's Life on the Road by Sara Wheeler The "queen of intrepid travel" looks back on a lifetime of adventure. From Antarctica to Zanzibar, Wheeler reflects on the freedom and challenges of a life spent exploring the world, offering a funny, furious, and inspiring memoir.

4. Edgeland: Walking the South West Coast Path A lyrical and evocative journey along the edge of England. This book captures the raw beauty of the South West Coast Path, exploring the shifting relationship between land, sea, and the people who walk the line between them.

5. Explorer: The Quest for Adventure and the Great Unknown by Benedict Allen What does it mean to be an explorer in the modern age? Benedict Allen, known for his solo expeditions without GPS, delves into the history of exploration and his own near-death experiences to answer why we are still driven to conquer the map.

6. High Caucasus: A Mountain Quest in Russia's Haunted Hinterland by Tom Parfitt A gripping travel narrative through one of the most beautiful and volatile regions on Earth. Parfitt walks a thousand miles through the Caucasus mountains, encountering diverse cultures, ancient feuds, and the ghosts of history in a land scarred by war.

7. Enchanted Islands: A Mediterranean Odyssey A sun-soaked memoir of travels through the myths and landscapes of the Mediterranean. This book hops between islands, exploring their unique histories, legends, and the timeless allure of the blue sea that binds them together.

8. The Path of Peace: Walking the Western Front Way by Anthony Seldon A powerful pilgrimage along the scar of the Western Front. Seldon walks the 1,000 kilometers from Switzerland to the Channel, discovering a route of remembrance, nature, and ultimately, peace, in a landscape once defined by war.

9. Amnesia Road: Landscape, Violence and Memory by Luke Stegemann A profound and award-winning examination of colonial history. Stegemann travels through the landscapes of rural Queensland and Andalusia, Spain, uncovering the buried and forgotten histories of violence that haunt both places.

10. The Curtain and the Wall: A Modern Journey Along Europe's Cold War Border by Timothy Phillips A fascinating journey along the entire length of the old Iron Curtain. From the Arctic Circle to the Turkish border, Phillips meets the people living in the shadow of the past, painting a vivid portrait of a divided Europe and its legacy.

11. Vantastic: Van Living, Sustainable Travel, Food Ideas by Kate O'Donnell The ultimate guide for the modern nomad. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a permanent life on the road, this book is packed with tips on sustainable travel, van conversions, and delicious recipes to cook on a camp stove.

12. Beyond the Monuments in Washington, DC Discover the real DC beyond the National Mall. This insider's guide takes you into the vibrant neighborhoods, local eateries, and hidden cultural spots that define the capital city, offering a side of Washington that tourists rarely see.

13. A Writer's House in Wales by Jan Morris A beautiful meditation on home and identity. The legendary travel writer Jan Morris turns her gaze inward to her own house, Trefan Morys, and its setting in the Welsh countryside, exploring the deep connection between a writer and their place in the world.

14. The Observant Walker by John Wright Transform your daily walk into a voyage of discovery. This delightful guide reveals the hidden wonders of the roadside and footpath, from rare wildflowers and geology to the history of dry stone walls, teaching you how to truly see the world at your feet.

15. Telling Our Way to the Sea: A Voyage of Discovery in the Sea of Cortez by Aaron Hirsh A blend of travelogue, biology, and history. Hirsh takes a group of students to the Sea of Cortez, using the landscape to tell the story of the region's ecology and the human impact upon it. It is a poignant look at what we have lost and what remains.