Who Needs a Road?: The Story of the Longest and Last Motor Journey Around the World

by Harold Stephens and Albert Podell, Albert Podell

This book is about a man who wanted to drive around the world, to remote corners, to those places where few men have ventured before. He wanted to do it in a four-wheel drive, taking his own camper-trailer with him, to live at the edge of deserts and at the rim of tropical jungles, to drive the highest roads, and the lowest, to be free to make his own choices. He found a nut who wanted to do it with him, a picture editor of a leading man's magazine in New York, and the Trans World Expedition was born. This is their incredible journey. The did it, and how they did it is their tale told in his exciting book.

Genres: Travel, Adventure, Nonfiction, Biography

485 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harold Stephens was my mentor and friend when I lived in Thailand. This was his first book, written when he was a very young man, and about his amazing journey around the world in a Land Rover. If you like this book, you'll like Investment Biker by Jim Rogers.

[G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly not the best book ever written but for unadulterated road writing it ranks among the best. Here Stephens cut his teeth and formed a view of travel journalism -- vision perhaps -- that is beyond compare. Written in a more macho era, the episodes reported back might embarrass more enlightened writers today. Not these two. I've found it telling that Toyota doesn't make more of their journey. We can only conclude that the raw, open road experience of this writing is too immediate and startling for marketing. In my own travels I know too well the sore limp home that ends all such road adventures. It's by this, strained friendships, nights in jail, and broken down autos that we recognize the authentic voice of the real traveller.

[Puguh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting was around late '60. And fair travel journal by some young american(typical of 'flower generation' i believe) proofing reliability of japanese four wheel drive.

Starting with fund raising activity;"We sent letter to Companies for sponsorship. In return they will receive photographs of their product used in excotic places. We received positive reply from most of Companies except toilet paper company"

Interensting story in North Africa and South Asia. They jumped from Singapore straight to Australia, due to political turmoil in Indonesia around that years.

I got this book as a gift from a friend, with clear note on the first page "please dont ever think to do this"

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and fun book about a driving trip around the world in the 60's. They go through a lot of places you couldn't go though today (especially in the Middle East) and seeing those places through their eyes at that time is fascinating.

At the end they have an update where they talk about the current conditions in all the countries they drove through and judge whether or not you could drive through them today.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the stories Steve and Al have to share. I was in it for the adventure but Steve really bares his soul to those who listen by the end. My heart does break to think that with all the political struggle in the world today this journey will likely never happen again.
I will say if you read Around The World in 40 Years (Albert Podell) first you'll hear many of the same stories, but many a worth retelling. One of my favorite travel books!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details the last motor journey around the world. The authors had a lot of fun with this- so many stories of fantastic places and people and situations, from a trek across the desert to detours as a result of political skirmishes. If you enjoy travel, culture, or even history, you will enjoy this book.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while I lived in Thailand. This true story was written by an American expat who currently lives in Bangkok. This book follows the often comical adventures of two men who decided to travel around the world in an SUV.

[Nadir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read for the adventure traveler, the off-road enthusiast, and students of culture - funny to see how things were different back in the 60's versus today. An enjoyable read and one that will make you want to drop everything and follow in their footsteps (or tire tracks, as the case may be).

[Katherine Doll · Rating 3 out of 5]

This trip was done in the 60's. A lot has changed in fifty years. Mostly attitudes towards women. A huge adventure for the times and interesting to see what the different political situations were around the world at the time.

[Chris Salisbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic adventure story of traveling around the world, falling in love and getting caught in the outbreak of the Vietnamese War! How could you miss?

[Arthur Maas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and inspiring story. Great voice.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful road trip across Europe and Asia.

[Jenna Taffet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Such a funny, readable and interesting account of an adventurous journey that is no longer possible in today’s world. A must read for any wanderlust-ridden traveler.