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The Man in the Tent #1
The Man in the Tent: My Life under Canvas - The First Four Years
THE MAN IN THE TENT is Tony Beardsall’s lively, informative account of his life since moving under canvas at the age of fifty-one.
In this volume he relates the first four years of his outdoor odyssey, from his initial escapist trips, through his gradual move towards full-time outdoor living, to his decision to put the harsh British winters behind him and head off to the more benign climate of southern Spain.
Sincere but light-hearted, this story recounts his experiences in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Scotland, alongside the mental journey leading to his conviction that a conventional life is no longer for him, despite the well-meaning advice of his family and friends.
The second and final part of Tony’s story will be available this winter.
In this volume he relates the first four years of his outdoor odyssey, from his initial escapist trips, through his gradual move towards full-time outdoor living, to his decision to put the harsh British winters behind him and head off to the more benign climate of southern Spain.
Sincere but light-hearted, this story recounts his experiences in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Scotland, alongside the mental journey leading to his conviction that a conventional life is no longer for him, despite the well-meaning advice of his family and friends.
The second and final part of Tony’s story will be available this winter.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2017
98 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 18, 2021
Most of us have been there - at the bottom of a rut wondering how the hell we got there and how the hell we can get out. Well here's one way, get a tent and go enjoy the great outdoors, divest yourself of the misery of a new three piece suite, carpets and curtains and a week in Malaga every year - go minimal, you won't regret it. I did something similar. All my money was spent on travel, as far away as I could get from the dismal situations I found myself in at home. Now I'm in China - can't get much further huh? So a kindred spirit spoke to me from this book. Don't listen to the doom and nay sayers in your life - follow your heart - just do it. A good read on Goodreads.
October 11, 2020
Absolutely loved it. This will appeal to many people who have become lost (and lost many things) as they've got older. I currently live in a motorhome, but as my own children get older I'm seriously thinking of going back to basics and truly experiencing life as it should be - not just viewing second hand through a screen
March 18, 2020
A Great Read
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Interesting and quite witty in parts too. Tony writes in a flowing easy style and takes the reader with him on his adventure. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Interesting and quite witty in parts too. Tony writes in a flowing easy style and takes the reader with him on his adventure. Highly recommended.
April 16, 2021
Middle-aged Lancastrian gets divorced, has an existential crisis and goes to live in a tent. Fair enough. The transition is told pleasantly enough but nothing much happens of note. A short, okay read that isn't taxing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2021
I was thoroughly impressed with this account of Tony Beardsall's conversion to a life of camping. At 51, in 2004 he loses his job to downsizing and his wife leaves him for another man. He is forced to sell his house and ends up in a dumpy flat in a Lancashire town in northwest England having little success finding a job and drinking too much. Good friends Paul and Sue offer him a room in their house. He's reluctant considering it charity. They encourage him to try camping since he has free time and it would be a good way to clear his head and think about what he wants to do. He meets Malcolm who does a lot of camping and gets more insights. Over time he makes it his life and you get to see how his life is transformed. It is not a lifestyle I would ever choose but this explains how it all came about. Tony is writing this in 2017 after 12 years of camping and still going. It ends as he sets off to camp in Spain, the setting of his second book and the third covers living in France and Albania. I am definitely going to read them as well.
May 18, 2021
Excellent story about turning a series of bad experiences into one he'll of an adventure.
Tony shows that in the darkness of adversity, we can learn some of the most important life lessons. A great read which is utterly thought provoking. I'm looking forward to parts two and three.
Tony shows that in the darkness of adversity, we can learn some of the most important life lessons. A great read which is utterly thought provoking. I'm looking forward to parts two and three.
June 17, 2020
Entertaining read but ends abruptly just as getting interesting
This book gradually gets your interest but ends abruptly. Didn't seem like 4 years had gone by. I looked for more chapters but there were none
This book gradually gets your interest but ends abruptly. Didn't seem like 4 years had gone by. I looked for more chapters but there were none
September 10, 2020
Another one I really enjoyed. Fair to say not a literary masterpiece but it gets you involved and I really felt I knew Tonyby the end, I'm so invested in his story that I cant wait for the second book to come out.
December 29, 2020
I think this nutter is going to have company
With the shock waves of 2020 impacting so many lives, I think many more will be questioning the lifestyles we lead.
An enjoyable read with a honest and heartfelt delivery.
With the shock waves of 2020 impacting so many lives, I think many more will be questioning the lifestyles we lead.
An enjoyable read with a honest and heartfelt delivery.
December 31, 2020
Terrific Adventure
Really enjoyed this guys account of living in a tent, a very brave decision in my mind. Well written, moves along at a good pace, and lots to keep the pages still turning. Can't wait for part two. Definitely recommend.
Really enjoyed this guys account of living in a tent, a very brave decision in my mind. Well written, moves along at a good pace, and lots to keep the pages still turning. Can't wait for part two. Definitely recommend.
May 25, 2018
Adventure
Tony, you are a brave resourceful man.
I really enjoyed Tony's journey from pissed up in a crappy flat to contentment under canvas
Tony, you are a brave resourceful man.
I really enjoyed Tony's journey from pissed up in a crappy flat to contentment under canvas
February 26, 2020
Fantastic
Fantastic book highly recommended very interesting story for anyone who is thinking about camping great book very interesting to read
Fantastic book highly recommended very interesting story for anyone who is thinking about camping great book very interesting to read
October 9, 2020
One of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in years. No great epic story arc, but just a down to earth honest read that I looked forward to picking up each night. Straight onto the next book for me.
June 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and read it in a single day over two spells. Despite it being relatively short at under 200 pages I'm not sure I've read anything so quickly. Big credit to Tony's writing style and his Northern Wit.
He seemed to be a able to combine a number of my favourite writers styles, the simplicity of Keith Foskett, the honesty of Holly Worton, the humour of Garry Hogg and the sense of Nature of Catrina Davies. Tony Is a smart and thoughtful guy who seemed to find himself In a difficult time and find a way out of it.
I enjoyed the description of the time out in winter and the camping on the Moors near to the Reservoir. I'm guessing that the home town not mentioned is likely Burnley.
I particularly liked the Characters and the chance meeting with Malcolm at the beginning, but also the description of the Yorkshire Dales, a special place and somewhere that is special to me as well (I need to get back out there). I enjoyed the relationship he developed with Jane and Ricky as well.
Tony has a talent for writing and I'm very pleased to see there are three other books about what he does next.
Perhaps some minor editing errors but I can easily forgive that. This to is a candidate for book of the year and currently I think its probably out in front.
This could be considered a self help book and definitely a motivational read. I don't know what Tony is up to now nor Malcolm but their words carry a lot of weight now.
It would be interesting to revisit some of the places he described particularly the villages of Austwick, Clapham and Kettlewell and also the Game Cock Inn.
I look forward to reading more in the future.
He seemed to be a able to combine a number of my favourite writers styles, the simplicity of Keith Foskett, the honesty of Holly Worton, the humour of Garry Hogg and the sense of Nature of Catrina Davies. Tony Is a smart and thoughtful guy who seemed to find himself In a difficult time and find a way out of it.
I enjoyed the description of the time out in winter and the camping on the Moors near to the Reservoir. I'm guessing that the home town not mentioned is likely Burnley.
I particularly liked the Characters and the chance meeting with Malcolm at the beginning, but also the description of the Yorkshire Dales, a special place and somewhere that is special to me as well (I need to get back out there). I enjoyed the relationship he developed with Jane and Ricky as well.
Tony has a talent for writing and I'm very pleased to see there are three other books about what he does next.
Perhaps some minor editing errors but I can easily forgive that. This to is a candidate for book of the year and currently I think its probably out in front.
This could be considered a self help book and definitely a motivational read. I don't know what Tony is up to now nor Malcolm but their words carry a lot of weight now.
It would be interesting to revisit some of the places he described particularly the villages of Austwick, Clapham and Kettlewell and also the Game Cock Inn.
I look forward to reading more in the future.
November 8, 2021
Tony Beardsall found himself in a difficult situation when he turned 51, he lost his job and his wife of 20-something years left him. As he was trying to sort it all out he took a camping trip.
With the trip he discovered that he liked it so much he continued to go camping until, he eventually spent full time in a tent and reshaped his life.
One thing which I love that he discovered that by living in a tent he had more time for reading. It reminded me of when I used to take along a number of books on a long camping weekend and have a 3-5 book weekend reading under the tall Ponderosa Pines.
I found this to be an interesting and thoughtful book and look forward to his two following books.
With the trip he discovered that he liked it so much he continued to go camping until, he eventually spent full time in a tent and reshaped his life.
One thing which I love that he discovered that by living in a tent he had more time for reading. It reminded me of when I used to take along a number of books on a long camping weekend and have a 3-5 book weekend reading under the tall Ponderosa Pines.
I found this to be an interesting and thoughtful book and look forward to his two following books.
April 28, 2022
Great life affirming read about wild camping - makes me want to head to the New Forest right now!
November 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this. I love camping myself and sleep in a tent in my garden in the summer in Greece, and it was good to read about the author's decision to live differently in various ways - not only sleeping in a tent but working differently, thinking of time differently. I liked his honest, open, unpretentious writing style. The story did feel slightly incomplete, although it was good enough (and cheap enough!) that I'd consider buying book two to find out what happened next...
July 21, 2021
Good read
I found this book to be a good read. As our writer tells us his story. As the story unfold you hear how became more of a recluse and drifted away from the norm.
I look forward to part two of the stpry
I found this book to be a good read. As our writer tells us his story. As the story unfold you hear how became more of a recluse and drifted away from the norm.
I look forward to part two of the stpry
April 24, 2021
Decent read
I liked this book- easy to read, a different subject to read about, well written & thought provoking I thought. The writer is likeable and is a lovely read for camping enthusiasts, outdoor lovers and maybe people going through divorce/separation. Very solid 8/10 and I would be inclined to read parts 2&3
I liked this book- easy to read, a different subject to read about, well written & thought provoking I thought. The writer is likeable and is a lovely read for camping enthusiasts, outdoor lovers and maybe people going through divorce/separation. Very solid 8/10 and I would be inclined to read parts 2&3
July 2, 2021
An honest and reassuring story to those of us who found ourselves in similar marital situations at a similar age.
Having to discover who you actually are in middle age as opposed to who you thought you were (due to years of compromise), is a daunting task. It’s one Tony seems to have managed with minimal damage, thank you for documenting your journey (literally and metaphorically!).
Having to discover who you actually are in middle age as opposed to who you thought you were (due to years of compromise), is a daunting task. It’s one Tony seems to have managed with minimal damage, thank you for documenting your journey (literally and metaphorically!).
May 3, 2021
Loved this book. Only a short read but so uplifting, after a family breakup amongst other things he takes on a new type of life that most of us wouldn’t even dream of doing. A truly uplifting and feel good read.
June 2, 2021
From working for the man conformist to nature dweller - a great yarn
I enjoyed Tony’s gradual, zen like realisations that life is more than just chasing paper. Worth reading. Enjoy the ride.
I enjoyed Tony’s gradual, zen like realisations that life is more than just chasing paper. Worth reading. Enjoy the ride.
July 1, 2021
Cathartic reading
Reading this made me realise that my own life, which is on the road that Tony’s was originally on, wouldn’t be that many steps away from the one he’s on now. Just a post it note on a fridge door away……
Reading this made me realise that my own life, which is on the road that Tony’s was originally on, wouldn’t be that many steps away from the one he’s on now. Just a post it note on a fridge door away……
October 16, 2020
Great read
What an inspiration Tony is. Wonderful to read about his so different
Lifestyle and how he made it work for him.
Can't wait to read book two .
What an inspiration Tony is. Wonderful to read about his so different
Lifestyle and how he made it work for him.
Can't wait to read book two .
October 30, 2020
An interesting read. I love to go camping but this guy has some balls. Worth a read 👍
December 9, 2020
Great read.
Chose this book completely by chance,very glad I did.
Can't wait for part two! A splendid read,gets you thinking!
Highly recommended.
Chose this book completely by chance,very glad I did.
Can't wait for part two! A splendid read,gets you thinking!
Highly recommended.
December 22, 2020
What a great life to live
Brilliant read, I would of liked to read more about Tony’s experiences during the winter camping and wild camping but the book was very gripping.
Brilliant read, I would of liked to read more about Tony’s experiences during the winter camping and wild camping but the book was very gripping.
March 3, 2021
Very interesting book. Shows how it is possible to live a different way. I enjoyed reading this book.
May 23, 2021
Brilliant
I really enjoyed reading how living under canvas has changed his life both mentally and physically. Very interesting I’m about to start on the next adventure.
I really enjoyed reading how living under canvas has changed his life both mentally and physically. Very interesting I’m about to start on the next adventure.
September 6, 2021
I really thought I would love this book as I love nothing more than camping and fortunate to live in such a place where wild camping is allowed but it was so slow going and nothing exciting, despite the fact the author said at two different points it was about to get a lot more exciting, it really didn’t.
Instead it was filled with conversations between him and friends which just seemed to be endless patterns of him trying to convince them he liked living in a tent and them understanding but also questioning him at the same time.
I think I learnt more about his friends than about his actual experiences.
He also gives the impression that he seems to think people will think he’s ‘crazy’ or ‘disillusioned’ for doing what he is doing, going so far as to pretend he’s seen a therapist and having a fake conversation about him enjoying being in a tent and how the therapist views him as beyond help *le sigh*.
It often feels at times he’s trying to provoke and hopes for people to be shocked by his choice and is then let down when they aren’t all too bothered and this is more in relation to his love for being under canvas than living full time in a tent as that only really happened in the last chapters of the book. Camping isn’t that shocking, loving camping isn’t shocking, many people do and many people go for prolonged periods of time and I even know of other people who have chosen to live in tents, so it’s not as radical and groundbreaking as he deems himself to be.
Instead it was filled with conversations between him and friends which just seemed to be endless patterns of him trying to convince them he liked living in a tent and them understanding but also questioning him at the same time.
I think I learnt more about his friends than about his actual experiences.
He also gives the impression that he seems to think people will think he’s ‘crazy’ or ‘disillusioned’ for doing what he is doing, going so far as to pretend he’s seen a therapist and having a fake conversation about him enjoying being in a tent and how the therapist views him as beyond help *le sigh*.
It often feels at times he’s trying to provoke and hopes for people to be shocked by his choice and is then let down when they aren’t all too bothered and this is more in relation to his love for being under canvas than living full time in a tent as that only really happened in the last chapters of the book. Camping isn’t that shocking, loving camping isn’t shocking, many people do and many people go for prolonged periods of time and I even know of other people who have chosen to live in tents, so it’s not as radical and groundbreaking as he deems himself to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews