Around the World on a Bicycle Volume 2

by Thomas Stevens

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. PERSIA AND THE MESHED PILGRIM ROAD. A MitE or so through the cultivated fields brings me to the village just in time to be greeted by the shouts and hand-clapping oi a wedding procession that is returning from conducting the bride to the bath. Men and boys are beating rude, home-made tarnbourines, and women are dancing along before the bride, clicking castanets, while a crowd of at least two hundred villagers, arrayed in whatever finery they can muster for the occasion, are following behind, clapping their hands in measured chorus. This handclapping is, I believe, pretty generally practised by the villagers all over Central Asia on festive occasions. As a result of riding for the crowd, I receive an invitation to take supper at the house of the bridegroom's parents. Having obtained sleeping quarters at the chapar-khana, I get the shagird-chapar to guide me to the house at the appointed hour, and arrive just in time for supper. The dining-room is a low-ceiled apartment, about thirty feet long and eight wide, and is dimly lighted by rude grease lamps, set on pewter lamp-stands on the floor. Squatting on the floor, with their backs to the wall, about fifty villagers form a continuous human line around the room. These all rise simultaneously to their feet as I am announced, bob their heads simultaneously, simultaneously say, "Sahib salaam," and after I have been provided with a place, simultaneously resume their seats. Pewter trays are now brought in by volunteer waiters, and set on the floor before the guests, one tray for every two guests, and a separate one for myself. On each tray is a bowl ef mai

168 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2013

About the author

Thomas Stevens was the first person to circle the globe by bicycle. He rode a large-wheeled Ordinary, also known as a penny-farthing, from April 1884 to December 1886 He later searched for Henry Morton Stanley in Africa, investigated the claims of Indian ascetics and became manager of the Garrick Theatre in London.

Reviews

[David Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historically interesting

Very interesting read, in my opinion, chronicling the late-19th century around the world journey, on a high-wheeled bicycle no less, of an English-born American newspaper reporter. The journey began and ended in San Francisco.

[Chris Sellers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The better half between the two. A picaresque description of far off places in a lost time. His writing is stronger here and far more detailed. An enjoyable travelogue.

[Benjamin Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mr. Stevens continues his trip around the world, providing a very colonial perspective of the different cultures of the eastern hemisphere. Pretty appalling in some places, also a lot of traveling by boat, all things considered.

[Deb]

Kindle Book

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring..

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of an amazing journey across Europe and Asia. The language is a little dated, but the story is timeless. Very inspiring.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man had amazing pluck, an entertaining narrative with dated attitudes. Quite descriptive and reflective.