What do you think?
Rate this book
Palin Diaries #4
There and Back
THE FOURTH VOLUME OF MICHAEL PALIN'S BESTSELLING DIARIES
A new millennium, and a new chapter for Michael Palin unfolds. With a Hemingway travel project testing his confidence, doubts creeping in about his abilities as a writer, the death of his great friend George Harrison and the last of his children leaving home, the dawn of the twenty-first century sees Michael at his most reflective yet.
Over the next ten years, we watch through Michael's eyes as the world reels from the successive shocks of September 11, the 7/7 bombings and the global financial crash. With the warmth and gentle empathy that have endeared millions of fans to him over the decades, Michael documents the day-to-day detail of living in a world buffeted by such powerful winds of change.
And amidst this turbulence, one thing remains Michael's irrepressible curiosity and thirst for adventure. These diaries follow his life as he comes and goes through the filming of four blockbuster travel documentaries - Hemingway Adventure, Sahara, Himalaya and New Europe - and reaches the peak of his fame as a beloved TV traveller. And five years on from the last of his children flying the nest, Michael embarks on his greatest adventure becoming a besotted grandfather.
There and Back is a new window into the world of Michael Palin, one that sees him navigating the question of just how much of himself to share with the public as he prepares to publish the first volume of what were to become his bestselling diaries. It reveals more than ever the strength and succour he draws from those ever-present supporting structures in his his family, his friendships and, of course, the Pythons.
A new millennium, and a new chapter for Michael Palin unfolds. With a Hemingway travel project testing his confidence, doubts creeping in about his abilities as a writer, the death of his great friend George Harrison and the last of his children leaving home, the dawn of the twenty-first century sees Michael at his most reflective yet.
Over the next ten years, we watch through Michael's eyes as the world reels from the successive shocks of September 11, the 7/7 bombings and the global financial crash. With the warmth and gentle empathy that have endeared millions of fans to him over the decades, Michael documents the day-to-day detail of living in a world buffeted by such powerful winds of change.
And amidst this turbulence, one thing remains Michael's irrepressible curiosity and thirst for adventure. These diaries follow his life as he comes and goes through the filming of four blockbuster travel documentaries - Hemingway Adventure, Sahara, Himalaya and New Europe - and reaches the peak of his fame as a beloved TV traveller. And five years on from the last of his children flying the nest, Michael embarks on his greatest adventure becoming a besotted grandfather.
There and Back is a new window into the world of Michael Palin, one that sees him navigating the question of just how much of himself to share with the public as he prepares to publish the first volume of what were to become his bestselling diaries. It reveals more than ever the strength and succour he draws from those ever-present supporting structures in his his family, his friendships and, of course, the Pythons.
752 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2024
64 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Michael Palin
136 books1,191 followersSir Michael Edward Palin, KCMG, CBE, FRGS is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 23, 2024
Another 10 years in the company of Michael Palin as he enters his 60s. The working class lad from Sheffield has come a long way and there are lots of visits to meet the Royal family and Downing Street to meet the PM, and patron trips to art galleries - and yet Palin still manages to maintain a grounded view of the world and come across as an everyday amiable chap, while decrying the War on Terror that runs through the decade. Despite taking in travel series round the Sahara, Himalayas and Eastern Europe, there's a definite sense of the pace of life slowing. There's less film and Hollywood work, and a lot of poignant entries of lost friends including George Harrison, as well as contemplation of getting older and frequent health worries. Plenty to enjoy and many laugh out loud moments. The arrival of first grandson brings out a new side to Palin. I could happily read these continuously and endlessly.
October 3, 2024
I can’t wait to re-read this already. Michael’s honesty throughout this decade of memories is equal parts reassuring and refreshing. Some slight spoilers ahead, but he writes so wonderfully about his doubts about his own work, his presenting; his writing, his everyday interactions, audience reactions to his travel docs and books, the reaction the first volume of diaries garnered…I think so many of us in life feel our work isn’t good enough and it’s strangely refreshing to read that someone as talented as Michael has those doubts too, despite his track record of wonderful work.
The recording of the arrival and his interactions with of his first grandson are beautiful and love and laughter filled-especially as the wee man’s personality starts to come through. Their relationship serves as a nice reminder that the curiosity and honesty of kids can refresh our own views of the world too.
So so many touching moments with the Python boys, especially Terry J, and also with the other names that have become familiar from these books-Michael writes of them all so well that those who weren’t in the public eye, like his Danish neighbour, that you feel their humanity and then feel for their passing too.
His honesty about his ageing, his working relationships and potential projects, his running, his observations on the world changes (9/11, recession etc) are a mix of the mundane and momentous and all the more memorable for it.
Like another reviewer elsewhere; I’m looking forward to hearing about it in person in York shortly and I’m left Inspired again to start attempting to document the everyday moments for myself again, because those everyday things are what make the memories across the years. Thanks Michael💞
The recording of the arrival and his interactions with of his first grandson are beautiful and love and laughter filled-especially as the wee man’s personality starts to come through. Their relationship serves as a nice reminder that the curiosity and honesty of kids can refresh our own views of the world too.
So so many touching moments with the Python boys, especially Terry J, and also with the other names that have become familiar from these books-Michael writes of them all so well that those who weren’t in the public eye, like his Danish neighbour, that you feel their humanity and then feel for their passing too.
His honesty about his ageing, his working relationships and potential projects, his running, his observations on the world changes (9/11, recession etc) are a mix of the mundane and momentous and all the more memorable for it.
Like another reviewer elsewhere; I’m looking forward to hearing about it in person in York shortly and I’m left Inspired again to start attempting to document the everyday moments for myself again, because those everyday things are what make the memories across the years. Thanks Michael💞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
I so enjoy reading Mr. Palin’s diaries, they are interesting, funny and relaxing; the perfect books to dip in and out of. His intelligence, charm, modesty and wit come through making me love him more than ever. The fact it’s taken six months to finish is no reflection on how much I enjoyed this fourth instalment, just how massive the hardback edition is.
March 9, 2025
When you are a fan of a celebrity you think you ‘know’ them, but a diary shows you you know very little of their full life. Only after reading it do you feel you really ‘know’ them, but also with the humility that you ‘know’ only a bigger piece.
March 22, 2025
Another entertaining batch of Michael Palin’s diaries. It’s quite interesting that the general political/global themes that he writes about you here, are still prevalent now, Russia/Ukraine, Palestine/Israel and cost of living. Probably a sign that we never learn from history.
December 8, 2024
Another great volume of diaries, which now include references to the earlier diaries, which is slightly confusing!
May 20, 2025
Very sad as I am now at the end of listening to his diaries. A wonderful man with the purest soul.
Quite funny when I got up to the bit in his diaries where he talks about publishing his diaries.
Quite funny when I got up to the bit in his diaries where he talks about publishing his diaries.
July 1, 2025
A solid read. Having read through all of Michael’s diaries, this is no less entertaining in exploring the life of one of Britain’s national treasures. It did have the feel of one of those books which you could dip into one minute, then leave for a few weeks and pick up again without missing it, which is exactly what I did.
December 12, 2024
Ich bin vor Jahren auf die Tagebücher von Michael Palin aufmerksam geworden, als ich ein Interview auf BBC zur Veröffentlichung der ersten Tagebücher gehört habe. Die Tagebücher von 1999 bis 2009 schließen diesen Kreis. 2004 wurde aus den ersten Überlegungen, die eigenen Tagebücher zu veröffentlichen, eine konkrete Idee, die wenige Jahre später in die Tat umgesetzt wurde.
Für mich war die Lektüre die Reise in eine nicht so ferne Vergangenheit und ich konnte mich an vieles, von dem Michael Palin schrieb, gut erinnern: Waffenruhe in Nordirland, die Ermordung der englischen Journalistin Jill Dando, das Bergbahnunglück von Kaprun, die Anschläge vom 11. September oder der verheerende Tsunami... das waren nur einige der Dinge, die die Welt bewegten.
Für Michael Palin ging es um andere Dinge: sein Sohn wurde beim Klettern vermisst (und tauchte glücklicherweise kurz darauf wieder auf), das letzte der drei Kinder zieht aus, der 60. Geburtstag, das erste Enkelkind... bei den Erinnerungen an diese Ereignisse wirkt er wie ein ganz normaler Mann und nicht wie der Star, der er auch ist. Ich habe nie den Eindruck, dass er sich wirklich als ein Star sieht. Er hat Glück gehabt und hat es immer noch. Dass ihn die Leute auf der Straße erkennen, gehört eben dazu. Jedes Jahr im Januar bringt er seinen Sperrmüll selbst weg, geht zum kleinen Friseurladen um die Ecke und liebt es, durch London zu laufen.
Die Zeit, über den sich die Tagebücher erstrecken, ist auch die Zeit, in der Michael Palin die meiste Zeit auf Reisen ist. Ich habe alle seine Reiseberichte gelesen und fand es spannend, über die Entstehung dieser Bücher zu lesen. Mir war nie wirklich bewusst, wie viel Planung es im Vorfeld gibt und wie viele Projekte verworfen werden, bis eine Reise wirklich zustande kommt. Und auch wenn er sich immer mehr bewusst wird, dass auch ein Michael Palin älter wird, denkt er noch lange nicht daran, seine Reisen aufzugeben. Ich hoffe, dass er genauso wenig daran denkt, seine Tagebücher aufzugeben.
Für mich war die Lektüre die Reise in eine nicht so ferne Vergangenheit und ich konnte mich an vieles, von dem Michael Palin schrieb, gut erinnern: Waffenruhe in Nordirland, die Ermordung der englischen Journalistin Jill Dando, das Bergbahnunglück von Kaprun, die Anschläge vom 11. September oder der verheerende Tsunami... das waren nur einige der Dinge, die die Welt bewegten.
Für Michael Palin ging es um andere Dinge: sein Sohn wurde beim Klettern vermisst (und tauchte glücklicherweise kurz darauf wieder auf), das letzte der drei Kinder zieht aus, der 60. Geburtstag, das erste Enkelkind... bei den Erinnerungen an diese Ereignisse wirkt er wie ein ganz normaler Mann und nicht wie der Star, der er auch ist. Ich habe nie den Eindruck, dass er sich wirklich als ein Star sieht. Er hat Glück gehabt und hat es immer noch. Dass ihn die Leute auf der Straße erkennen, gehört eben dazu. Jedes Jahr im Januar bringt er seinen Sperrmüll selbst weg, geht zum kleinen Friseurladen um die Ecke und liebt es, durch London zu laufen.
Die Zeit, über den sich die Tagebücher erstrecken, ist auch die Zeit, in der Michael Palin die meiste Zeit auf Reisen ist. Ich habe alle seine Reiseberichte gelesen und fand es spannend, über die Entstehung dieser Bücher zu lesen. Mir war nie wirklich bewusst, wie viel Planung es im Vorfeld gibt und wie viele Projekte verworfen werden, bis eine Reise wirklich zustande kommt. Und auch wenn er sich immer mehr bewusst wird, dass auch ein Michael Palin älter wird, denkt er noch lange nicht daran, seine Reisen aufzugeben. Ich hoffe, dass er genauso wenig daran denkt, seine Tagebücher aufzugeben.
January 23, 2025
I was hoping, as a sixty year old myself, that Palin would focus in these diaries on what he thinks of growing older, undeniably into old age and all that comes, both positive and negative, with it. I didn't really get that though, as this tends to focus on the work projects that Palin is again involved in. He keeps busy and often reflects that he needs to slow down, or even stop the travelling projects, before becoming involved in yet another one. Which he subsequently writes a book on. And then does a five continent book tour to publicise it. Rinse and repeat. Yes, I'm envious, and I think that this diary is a good advert for keeping working as long as you can, providing of course that you enjoy the job. It's obvious that Palin enjoys what he does and often acknowledges how lucky he is to have the opportunity to do it. Find a job you love and you'll never work again in your life. I didn't get the impression that Palin at sixty is doing much differently from when he was forty. He's healthy, still jogs across Hampstead Heath and works hard at keeping his social network going, although usually he connects with Pythons due to some potential work project being bounced around amongst them. The Grim Reaper does make more frequent appearances, but Palin doesn't waste much time worrying about him yet - he's too much to do. Pensions? No need to sweat over that when a million quid book advance is met with as much excitement as an average pensioner would expend over buying a tin of Spam. I did think that these diaries are a bit more opinionated and pointed than previous ones but the overall impression is still that this is a very nice bloke living a very nice and colourful life. It's not Kenneth Williams, or even Gyles Brandreth, but it's entertaining enough to be worth a read.
December 29, 2024
Took a while for me to relax into the rhythm of this book. Once I learned the names of the people who were mentioned often, it was easier. I found myself wishing for a few more details from his travels, which he deliberately excluded, because each travel program he hosted has its own book. It was jarring to hear a mundane detail from his London life, and the next sentence was him flying home from a far-flung world capital.
If you enjoy the quiet, thoughtful man you’ve seen in travel documentaries, you would likely enjoy his diaries. This was the first volume of those I read, and now I’m fairly certain I will read another, after a break, because this audio was over 27 hours long, and I feel rather like I’ve been living in a tent in his back garden and peeping through his windows.
December 30, 2024
I listened to this audiobook read by Michael Palin himself. It’s 27 hours long but none of the time is wasted. It gives an insight into how Michael lived his life during the ten years up to 2009. I feel like I know him quite well now! He isn’t afraid to voice his opinions on world events, politics and the Daily Mail; I don’t often share his opinions but it doesn’t matter, this is Michael telling you about Michael. I was surprised at the sharing of private moments of other well known people who are his friends but have to assume he had permissions. I enjoyed it, I would read another, possibly audio again.
July 22, 2025
I’ve never had a book series I’ve followed as they came out. Sure, I’ve read things like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, but long after all the books were released.
I realized, though, that I’ve been reading Michael Palin’s diaries since the first collection came out in America in 2007. That’s 18 years of reading about his days in Monty Python, his travels, and just his day-to-day life. They’ve oddly become this constant companion from when I was a sophomore in college until now.
I hope these continue to get released until the day he is sadly no longer with us. He really is the world’s nicest man.
I realized, though, that I’ve been reading Michael Palin’s diaries since the first collection came out in America in 2007. That’s 18 years of reading about his days in Monty Python, his travels, and just his day-to-day life. They’ve oddly become this constant companion from when I was a sophomore in college until now.
I hope these continue to get released until the day he is sadly no longer with us. He really is the world’s nicest man.
August 11, 2025
I found Palin’s real-time reactions to world events particularly fascinating! Instead of usual non-fiction, where events are researched after the fact, the human, visceral responses written in these diaries are something I don’t often come across.
Of course, Palin’s wit made for an overall quite lighthearted read! When I bought this, I didn’t realise it was the fourth volume, so looking forward to going back and starting from ‘The Python Years’ soon.
Of course, Palin’s wit made for an overall quite lighthearted read! When I bought this, I didn’t realise it was the fourth volume, so looking forward to going back and starting from ‘The Python Years’ soon.
August 29, 2025
Don't know why it says in the description here on goodreads that it's 752 pages long. It's 570 pages!
Another great diary from Mr. Palin. In this 4rt volume, we can read about everything that happened to him, or any major world events taking place between 1999 and 2009.
Ending on a great cliffhanger. Never thought I'd say that about a diary!
Volume 5, whenever that will be published, I'd say will be from 2010 till 2020. It should have an interesting last "chapter".
Another great diary from Mr. Palin. In this 4rt volume, we can read about everything that happened to him, or any major world events taking place between 1999 and 2009.
Ending on a great cliffhanger. Never thought I'd say that about a diary!
Volume 5, whenever that will be published, I'd say will be from 2010 till 2020. It should have an interesting last "chapter".
January 31, 2025
Of Derek Jarman's diaries, Michael Palin says (p. 120):
'I find such wisdom in his writing - expressed hotly and temperamentally sometimes, which makes the opinions human and fragile and spontaneous'. I feel the same of Palin's diaries which he achieves, however, without the 'hotly and temperamental' tendencies!
'I find such wisdom in his writing - expressed hotly and temperamentally sometimes, which makes the opinions human and fragile and spontaneous'. I feel the same of Palin's diaries which he achieves, however, without the 'hotly and temperamental' tendencies!
October 18, 2024
My word did this take me a long time to read! Enjoyed it a lot though, I'm not really one for diaries but this did change my mind a little on them. Palin has such a kind, warm insightful narrative voice.
December 9, 2024
I love Palin. I love Palin's life but this one is a lot bleaker and sadder than the inspiring early volumes. thats life I suppose. Still essential but slightly weird to get to the point where the first lot of diaries are released. Look forward to these coming out in twenty years!
January 16, 2025
Really enjoyed this, a great insight into the creative process and all its insecurities and niggles, as well as its rewards. Palin is very readable and, yes, likeable, but can be acerbic at times too.
November 5, 2024
Excellent, insightful, self-deprecating
February 1, 2025
Very droll in parts A wry perspective - a delight to read.
March 2, 2025
Absolutely loved reading Michael's diaries. I will have to go back and read the first three volumes.
September 14, 2025
brilliant, fascinating & captivating.
December 16, 2025
As always a fine read - more personal than previous ones but the Python stuff is always worth a read.
October 20, 2024
Few things make me as happy and content feeling as listening to Michael Palin reading his work, be it his travel books or his diaries. His attitude to life is so uplifting: he appreciates every moment and, even in bad times, takes an optimistic attitude and makes the best of things. He is rarely critical of others and always seems to make room for others' opinions and beliefs.
Of course, if by some chance (and personally I can't see how this could be!) you don't like Michael Palin, then you'd certainly not like this recount of his day to day activities, some momentous others quite ordinary. He manages to make even the most mundane of activities sound interesting and never comes across as pompous or self important. It has, I'm sure, to do with the obvious pleasure he gets out of life: his joy in meeting other people, seeing different aspects of life and doing, not only what makes him happy, but what seems right for the circumstance.
I'm sure I have said it before, but I truly believe that the world would be a much better place if there were more people like Michael Palin in it. A truly wonderful human being and, again, I loved listening to every word of this, his latest diary publication *****
Of course, if by some chance (and personally I can't see how this could be!) you don't like Michael Palin, then you'd certainly not like this recount of his day to day activities, some momentous others quite ordinary. He manages to make even the most mundane of activities sound interesting and never comes across as pompous or self important. It has, I'm sure, to do with the obvious pleasure he gets out of life: his joy in meeting other people, seeing different aspects of life and doing, not only what makes him happy, but what seems right for the circumstance.
I'm sure I have said it before, but I truly believe that the world would be a much better place if there were more people like Michael Palin in it. A truly wonderful human being and, again, I loved listening to every word of this, his latest diary publication *****
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews