From Publishers Weekly
In 1936, Cocteau circled the globe, following the route of Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days and writing regular dispatches about his travels for the newspaper Paris-Soir. (Callow's informative new introduction sets Cocteau's trip in the context of his whole career.) First published in book form (and in English translation) in 1936 and 1937, this compilation of articles remains a rushed and superficial performance, lacking the drama and suspense of Verne's classic. Still, fans of travel writing or of Cocteau will find this whirlwind jaunt an enjoyable romp, studded with startling observations on diverse cultures and flashes of subversive wit. In Rome, the French poet/novelist/dramatist/filmmaker paints a chilling picture of Mussolini's fascism tightening its stranglehold on the nation. In Greece, he sifts forlorn vestiges of the mythical landscape that had fueled his imagination and art. Notions of the exotic, the mysterious Orient and downtrodden yet spiritual people color Cocteau's vivid account of travels in Japan, India, Singapore, Burma, Malaya and Hong Kong. Joining Cocteau on his globe-hopping tour was his lover Marcel Khill, who sought out brothels and opium dens with him. Honolulu, San Francisco, Hollywood, New York all pass by in a blur of hasty impressions, dazzling imagery, clich s and scattered genuine insights for, at his best, Cocteau writes with the soul of a poet and the sharp eye of a seasoned world traveler. (July)
Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
When author Jules Verne created the character Phileas Fogg in l873, little did he imagine his Round the World in 80 Days would inspire future writers and adventurers, such as Michael Palin and his Around the World in 80 Days (BBC Bks., 1989). Challenged by the editor of the Paris-Soir, multitalented artist Cocteau and his very own passe-partout set out in l936 to realize Verne's fictitious journey. Originally published in French in l937, this book now appears in an excellent translation that consistently reflects Cocteau's writing style and captures the period in which the book was written. Heading due east via London, Bombay, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New York, Cocteau focuses heavily on the locations visited rather than on the travel itself, making the reading even more informative and enjoyable. As in Palin's endeavor, the descriptive narrative and the wonderful use of analogy provide a true-to-life perspective of a challenging and arduous journey. Libraries should stock all three books for rewarding and interesting comparisons.DJo-Anne Mary Benson, Osgoode, Ontario,
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
