<p>A 75 year-old photographer/designer brings to life his 1984 European walkabout in book form.\n“Midlife Vagabond,” 160 pages with 210 color photographs and 15 original drawings, is an intimate and colorful, autobiographical account of a 38 year-old man’s solo, two month summer sojourn in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France.\nThe author shares his experiences as an introverted budget traveler on the rebound, coping with loneliness, languages, weather, novel cultures and diets. It is a tale of personal self-reliance in a far less “connected” time, before internet, cellphones, email, AirBnB and EasyJet.\nThe architect/author’s numerous color photos depict legendary European destinations, the rich architectural heritage, with particular emphasis on the provocative juxtaposition of traditional, compact urban form with beautiful natural surroundings.\nThe book is printed on fine, photo-grade glossy paper, with many full-page images. Anyone who has dealt with photographs from before the digital age knows their limitations; in this case the author has taken maximum care to vibrantly render the images from scans of his original 35mm slides. Each painterly and atmospheric image articulates a story, enhancing the care and openness with which the author’s text relates his inner life.\nPersonal journal entries comprise the text: a running narrative of both the mundane and sublime ups and downs of daily life, moving town to town on the extraordinary European rails. While not presented as a travel guide per se, the material can be useful for anyone planning an extended sojourn abroad with a Railpass and backpack.\n“Midlife Vagabond 2,” also available on Amazon, 202 pages with 310 color photographs and 15 original drawings by the author portrays the rewards and challenges of overseas travel with companions.</p>

Midlife Vagabond: A Chronicle of Travel in Europe

James A Carnahan

Matrix Publications

<p>A treat for armchair travelers! ——A colorful, intimate portrayal of the rewards and challenges of traveling with friends - not romantic partners (but there is romance, nonetheless)!! ——An autobiographical memoir that can be useful for planning an extended overseas journey. ——The author, a professional cabinetmaker and architectural draftsman, skilled photographer - and an introvert - joins up with several friends for different periods of time in different locales in the course of the two trips——The book is an informal field study in engaging and disengaging, negotiation, working on issues, working on friendship - all against a kaleidoscopic background of extraordinary European cities, towns, villages and landscapes!——The author’s background in architecture and urban design informs his focus on the European integration of compact urban form and the natural landscape. ——Though not intended as a “self-help” manual, some may find it a useful reflection on the role travel can play in personal transformation——202 pages, 310 full color photographs and 15 original drawings——Journal text and correspondence from 13 weeks exploring Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, English Midlands and Scottish Highlands——Printed on fine, photo-grade paper——Many full-page images——Maximum care taken to render the photographs from scans of aged 35mm slides——A delight for the mind’s eye; every image a story—— “Midlife Vagabond 2” is the second in a series of four (planned) illustrated travelogues——Check out "Midlife Vagabond" also available on Amazon!——Be on the lookout for “Midlife Vagabonds: Sweethearts on the Road in Europe, 1991,” and “Midlife Vagabonds 2: Sweethearts return to Europe, 1994 & 1998.”</p>

Midlife Vagabond 2: On the Road with Friends

Matrix Publishing

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by James A Carnahan. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by James A Carnahan

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by James A Carnahan. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Midlife Vagabond: A Chronicle of Travel in Europe

Midlife Vagabond 2: On the Road with Friends