In an era when the blind were routinely warehoused in asylums, James Holman was studying medicine, fighting the slave trade in Africa, hunting rogue elephants, surviving a frozen captivity in Siberia, and circumnavigating the world alone in the 19th century.
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In an era when the blind were routinely warehoused in asylums, James Holman was studying medicine, fighting the slave trade in Africa, hunting rogue elephants, surviving a frozen captivity in Siberia, and circumnavigating the world alone in the 19th century.
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Whether or not James Holman ((1786-1857) was the greatest traveller of all time is a moot point. However, the travels around the world of this man, who became totally blind at the age of 25, remain an eye-opener for all of us. He visited China, India, Australia, South Africa, Brazil and Argentina among other countries. Though his descriptions of what he experienced on his travels, which he dictated on his return home to England, do not, and, of course, cannot match modern travelogues - travel in the 19th century meant something completely different - his life, travels and 'writings' should give every reader of this book something to marvel at. He also suffered from mobility problems.
What Holman accomplished would be no mean feat for a sighted and physically fit person.
aries
Feb 10, 2011
an uplifting read
The extensive research and background make this amazing story creditable and is excellently written.
It is a magnificent example of the potential of the human spirit.
JustRead
Apr 23, 2007
An Inspiration!
If ever there was a travel book to inspire, this is it. How a blind man -- especially of that time period -- could achieve the scope of this man's travels is awe-inspiring. The book is definitely recommended, but be aware that it is not a contemporary travel story, but rather details the story of travel in an earlier era. I found it to be a slow read at times, but overall an amazing account.