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Palin's Travels
Into Iraq
In March 2022, Michael Palin travelled the length of the River Tigris through Iraq to get a sense of what life is like in a region of the world that once formed the cradle of civilisation, but that in recent times has witnessed turmoil and appalling bloodshed. It was a journey of sharp, often brutal contrasts. At one moment he would be exploring the old streets of Baghdad or the ancient ruins of Babylon. At the next he would be visiting the war-torn city of Mosul, or learning about the horrific Speicher massacre in Tikrit. Now he shares the journal he meticulously kept during his trip, in which he describes the very varied places he visited, the people he met and the impressions he formed of a country that few outsiders now venture to see.
Permeated with his warmth and humour, this is a vivid and varied portrait of a complex country.
Permeated with his warmth and humour, this is a vivid and varied portrait of a complex country.
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 15, 2022
55 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Michael Palin
137 books1,194 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 13, 2022
Always a joy to join Palin on another travel, even when it's one that is shorter than previous epics (he is almost 80 now), and one that has a more sombre tone thanks to the war riven background to Iraq. A quick read, but interesting. Works well as an accompaniment to the TV series, both complimenting and adding depth to each other.
December 31, 2022
Like catching up with an ‘old’ friend.
Michael Palin is for me the best travel guide. His words in books, supplemented with vivid and informative photographs and pieces to camera in TV programmes always engage me and fostered a desire to explore beyond my limited travel horizons.
Always balanced - he has always possessed an open and friendly conversational style. Although not a journalist he is well read and seems to find the balance between people and place. Consequently, he brings clarity and charm to the places he goes and humour in all his interactions.
Into Iraq his latest book and TV venture, is in the tradition of all that he has done in his earlier works. Fearless and genuinely interested in travel and the history of the lands he passes through. Not as nimble as in earlier times, now 78, Palin has lost none of his strengths or stamina to find history and see the future through a new generation’s eyes.
Into Iraq is a journey I wouldn’t make so this is a unique opportunity to see somewhere through the eyes of a trusted companion. I was fascinated by the journey and excited to find out more about Iraq. I joked the book should have been entitled Into Iraq and safely home again. Through Palin’s effort and words we see more than just a tourist’s overview and box ticking exercise like a modern ISpy book. Social media adores the individual presence in famous locations, celebrity life and society but real travel is a deeper learning experience. It meets ordinary people, sees life beyond monuments and photo opportunities. It leaves something behind in the places one visits and one’s heart finds an affinity and true empathy for those who persevere and have an enduring place in their country.
Michael Palin for me is this unique guide that through travel with his conversations and observations brings this depth to travelling. I am grateful for the many journeys we have shared but mostly the change of attitude he has given me in my own trips.
That is why I welcomed this new book and why I have no hesitation in recommending it to you.
Michael Palin is for me the best travel guide. His words in books, supplemented with vivid and informative photographs and pieces to camera in TV programmes always engage me and fostered a desire to explore beyond my limited travel horizons.
Always balanced - he has always possessed an open and friendly conversational style. Although not a journalist he is well read and seems to find the balance between people and place. Consequently, he brings clarity and charm to the places he goes and humour in all his interactions.
Into Iraq his latest book and TV venture, is in the tradition of all that he has done in his earlier works. Fearless and genuinely interested in travel and the history of the lands he passes through. Not as nimble as in earlier times, now 78, Palin has lost none of his strengths or stamina to find history and see the future through a new generation’s eyes.
Into Iraq is a journey I wouldn’t make so this is a unique opportunity to see somewhere through the eyes of a trusted companion. I was fascinated by the journey and excited to find out more about Iraq. I joked the book should have been entitled Into Iraq and safely home again. Through Palin’s effort and words we see more than just a tourist’s overview and box ticking exercise like a modern ISpy book. Social media adores the individual presence in famous locations, celebrity life and society but real travel is a deeper learning experience. It meets ordinary people, sees life beyond monuments and photo opportunities. It leaves something behind in the places one visits and one’s heart finds an affinity and true empathy for those who persevere and have an enduring place in their country.
Michael Palin for me is this unique guide that through travel with his conversations and observations brings this depth to travelling. I am grateful for the many journeys we have shared but mostly the change of attitude he has given me in my own trips.
That is why I welcomed this new book and why I have no hesitation in recommending it to you.
February 18, 2023
Im März 2022 begibt sich Michael Palin wieder auf eine Reise. Dieses Mal geht es entlang des Tigris durch den Irak. Dieses Mal steht die Reise vor einigen Herausforderungen. Covid 19 erlegt dieser Reise besondere Maßnahmen auf. Das Land, in das sie reisen werden, hat schwierige Zeiten durchgestanden. Zum ersten Mal sind auch Michaels Alter und seine Gesundheit ein Thema, denn seine fast 80 Jahren und eine überstandenen Operation am Herzen bergen Risiken für die Reise.
Es beginnt mit dem ersten Buch, das Michael Palin von seinem Vater geschenkt bekommt. Die Abenteuer aus 1001 und einer Nacht faszinieren nicht nur den kleinen Michael und auch der erwachsene Mann denkt noch oft an die Sehnsucht nach diesem magischen Land zurück, das er zwischen den Zeilen entdeckt hat. Trotzdem stehen sein Team und auch er der neuen Reise bei aller Freude auch mit einer gewissen Vorsicht gegenüber.
Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass ich dieses Mal einen gewissen Abstand zum Gelesenen gespürt habe. Normalerweise nimmt mich Michael Palin bei seinen Reisen von der ersten Seite an mit, aber diesmal war es anders. Er ist sich durchaus bewusst, dass das die letzte Reise sein könnte, die er unternimmt und dieses Gefühl konnte ich zwischen den Zeilen spüren. Palins Enkel sieht zumindest das Alter seines Großvaters locker. Als Michael ihm sagt, dass er an seinem Geburtstag nicht dabei sein kann, meint er nur, dass der Opa eben dafür sorgen soll, das er im nächsten Jahr wieder dabei ist.
Nach einigen Etappen haben sich diese Reisende und auch die Leserin dann im unterwegs sein eingerichtet. Michael Palin schreibt offener und ich finde in seinen Erzählungen wieder die Momentaufnahmen von Land und Leuten, die für mich den Reiz bei seinen Reiseberichten ausmachen. Aber auch wenn er immer wieder gerade die alltäglichen Dinge, die er beobachtet, zu etwas Besonderem macht, verschwindet die Reserviertheit vom Anfang nicht ganz.
Gegen Ende findet er noch einmal deutliche Worte, denn die Reise entlang des Tigris zeigt deutlich, wie sich der Lauf des Flusses und damit auch die Lebensumstände für seine Bewohner durch unser Zutun verändert haben.
Auch wenn das Buch alles hatte, was mir an den Büchern von Michael Palin gefällt, konnte er mich nicht so fesseln wie sonst. Deshalb hoffe ich, dass er mich beim nächsten Mal wieder mehr mitnehmen wird.
Es beginnt mit dem ersten Buch, das Michael Palin von seinem Vater geschenkt bekommt. Die Abenteuer aus 1001 und einer Nacht faszinieren nicht nur den kleinen Michael und auch der erwachsene Mann denkt noch oft an die Sehnsucht nach diesem magischen Land zurück, das er zwischen den Zeilen entdeckt hat. Trotzdem stehen sein Team und auch er der neuen Reise bei aller Freude auch mit einer gewissen Vorsicht gegenüber.
Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass ich dieses Mal einen gewissen Abstand zum Gelesenen gespürt habe. Normalerweise nimmt mich Michael Palin bei seinen Reisen von der ersten Seite an mit, aber diesmal war es anders. Er ist sich durchaus bewusst, dass das die letzte Reise sein könnte, die er unternimmt und dieses Gefühl konnte ich zwischen den Zeilen spüren. Palins Enkel sieht zumindest das Alter seines Großvaters locker. Als Michael ihm sagt, dass er an seinem Geburtstag nicht dabei sein kann, meint er nur, dass der Opa eben dafür sorgen soll, das er im nächsten Jahr wieder dabei ist.
Nach einigen Etappen haben sich diese Reisende und auch die Leserin dann im unterwegs sein eingerichtet. Michael Palin schreibt offener und ich finde in seinen Erzählungen wieder die Momentaufnahmen von Land und Leuten, die für mich den Reiz bei seinen Reiseberichten ausmachen. Aber auch wenn er immer wieder gerade die alltäglichen Dinge, die er beobachtet, zu etwas Besonderem macht, verschwindet die Reserviertheit vom Anfang nicht ganz.
Gegen Ende findet er noch einmal deutliche Worte, denn die Reise entlang des Tigris zeigt deutlich, wie sich der Lauf des Flusses und damit auch die Lebensumstände für seine Bewohner durch unser Zutun verändert haben.
Auch wenn das Buch alles hatte, was mir an den Büchern von Michael Palin gefällt, konnte er mich nicht so fesseln wie sonst. Deshalb hoffe ich, dass er mich beim nächsten Mal wieder mehr mitnehmen wird.
January 23, 2023
Good read, very aesthetic
February 16, 2023
Mais um diário de viagem de Michael Palin, muito agradável de ler, como é habitual. Com ele viajámos no livro da História, entre o Tigris e o Eufrates, pusemos o pé na Babilónia, subimos a zigurates, ...
Deixou-me a vontade de ver os episódios para televisão.
Mas é triste que, uma vez mais, a BBC, que deve ter gasto uma soma substancial e deslocou uma equipa de 8 pessoas (além dos motoristas e contactos locais), não tenha incluído um fotógrafo. Falta qualidade e sobretudo "alma" às imagens que ilustram o livro.
Deixou-me a vontade de ver os episódios para televisão.
Mas é triste que, uma vez mais, a BBC, que deve ter gasto uma soma substancial e deslocou uma equipa de 8 pessoas (além dos motoristas e contactos locais), não tenha incluído um fotógrafo. Falta qualidade e sobretudo "alma" às imagens que ilustram o livro.
December 30, 2022
The continuation of a long standing Christmas tradition. I was given my first Michael Palin travel book way back in 1989 having been entranced as a late teen by his travelogue ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. Every time he’s travelled since then (bar the last one to North Korea) I’ve had the accompanying book as a Christmas present - and collectively they remain my most treasured christmas presents.
This latest journey sees Michael travel the length of the river Tigris - from Turkey through Iraq. The journey is a short one (taking 18 days) as is the book. I finished reading it across one day.
It’s plain to see that although there are elements of his journey that still capture his interest, the main takeaway this time is of a country whose prosperity has been squandered and its recent history scarred. If this is his last journey then it feels a bittersweet one to end on. I hope he has one more - positive - travel series left in him.
This latest journey sees Michael travel the length of the river Tigris - from Turkey through Iraq. The journey is a short one (taking 18 days) as is the book. I finished reading it across one day.
It’s plain to see that although there are elements of his journey that still capture his interest, the main takeaway this time is of a country whose prosperity has been squandered and its recent history scarred. If this is his last journey then it feels a bittersweet one to end on. I hope he has one more - positive - travel series left in him.
August 28, 2025
Michael Palin's books always feel satisfying and interesting and human, and this was no exception.
January 11, 2023
For someone who is literally Iraqi and knows most of the stuff in this book – it was nothing new except for a few things I'll probably ask my dad about.
I think for someone new to the idea of modern Iraq; it is a good beginning. If you're in the UK there is a Channel 5 3-part docuseries accompanying this book so it makes it even more immersive. My favourite part is actually the end when Michael Palin says:
“That Iraq has these problems should not mean that we turn away:
not just because they need all the friends they can get,
but because we need all the friends we can get.
I’m glad I went to Iraq and I would go back,
for the one reason that I met many good people there,
and I should like to see them again.”
That is Iraq, not the corrupt politicians and the hard-faced officials at every checkpoint. Iraq always welcomes foreigners, they always are ready to help and have the warmest of hearts. They just want peace and I pray for days when my country will see peace.
I think for someone new to the idea of modern Iraq; it is a good beginning. If you're in the UK there is a Channel 5 3-part docuseries accompanying this book so it makes it even more immersive. My favourite part is actually the end when Michael Palin says:
“That Iraq has these problems should not mean that we turn away:
not just because they need all the friends they can get,
but because we need all the friends we can get.
I’m glad I went to Iraq and I would go back,
for the one reason that I met many good people there,
and I should like to see them again.”
That is Iraq, not the corrupt politicians and the hard-faced officials at every checkpoint. Iraq always welcomes foreigners, they always are ready to help and have the warmest of hearts. They just want peace and I pray for days when my country will see peace.
October 15, 2022
Really good but very sad
November 26, 2022
Ah, Michael Palin, you've done it again.
I absolutely loved this book. I had to slow down my reading pace in order to enjoy this book. It's Michael Palin doing what he does best- beautifully describing a place, sprinkling in history and getting to know the locals. There were some parallels (on a personal level) with his earlier works- with a call from his family about missing a big event. Years ago, in Around the World in Eighty Days, he missed his son's birthday. In this book, it was his Grandsons birthday.
Overall, five stars very easily earned.
As a side note- some of the photos included and some of the descriptions of certain areas reminded me of the book 'The Green Marine: An Irishman's War in Iraq' by Graham Dale
I absolutely loved this book. I had to slow down my reading pace in order to enjoy this book. It's Michael Palin doing what he does best- beautifully describing a place, sprinkling in history and getting to know the locals. There were some parallels (on a personal level) with his earlier works- with a call from his family about missing a big event. Years ago, in Around the World in Eighty Days, he missed his son's birthday. In this book, it was his Grandsons birthday.
Overall, five stars very easily earned.
As a side note- some of the photos included and some of the descriptions of certain areas reminded me of the book 'The Green Marine: An Irishman's War in Iraq' by Graham Dale
December 17, 2022
Sedert 1980 maakt Michael Palin (Monty Python's Flying Circus) reisprogramma’s voor de BBC. Hij begon in 1980 met een aandeel in “Great railway journeys of the world”, een programma van de BBC waarin hij Groot-Brittannië per trein doorkruiste. Daarna volgden nog vele andere reizen, waarvan ook boeken verschenen, vaak met veel kleurenfoto’s en vanuit een dagboekperspectief geschreven. Nu heeft Channel 5 ITN Productions opdracht gegeven om een nieuwe driedelige documentaireserie te produceren met hem, terwijl hij Irak voor het eerst bezoekt. De serie was het vervolg op de veelgeprezen 2018 reportage, Michael Palin in Noord-Korea, die 4,5 miljoen kijkers bereikte en werd genomineerd voor twee BAFTA’s.
Op zijn 78ste en na twee open hartoperaties toerde
wereldreiziger (en oerkomiek) Michael Palin naar Irak voor Channel 5 Television. Hij wilde wel eens kennismaken met het land van Tigris en Eufraat, het vroegere Mesopotamië. Hij volgde de loop van de Tigris van aan de grens met Turkije naar Basra, bijna aan de Perzische Golf. Het wordt een 18 dagen lange en niet ongevaarlijke tocht doorheen het historische, maar vooral ook het hedendaagse Irak.
Voormalige en huidige grote steden liggen op zijn pad: Mosul, Bagdad, Babylon, Basra, ... Waar de gelegenheid zich aandient gaat Michael Palin op zoek naar geschiedenis, maar hij heeft tegelijkertijd veel aandacht voor het roerige nabije verleden en de toestand vandaag. Ontmoetingen met gewone mensen onderweg krijgen veel aandacht.
In zijn boek, “Naar Irak”, die een literaire versie is van de TV-reeks geeft hij nog iets meer informatie vrij over zijn odyssee van bijna 1.700 km.
Zijn reis, die begon bij Lake Hazar in het oosten van Turkije, omvatte bezoeken aan Koerdistan, waar hij een dag doorbracht in het bergdorp Akre voor de Koerdische New Roz-vieringen, een festival van fakkeltochtjes, vuurwerk en geweervuur, een bezoek aan Tikrit, waar hij de waarheid over het verschrikkelijke Speicher-bloedbad ontdekte, hij stond perplexvoor de lengendarische moerassen tussen de rivieren Eufraat en Tigris,voor hij verder trok naar Babylon om het paleis van Saddam Hoessein te verkennen dat boven de oude stad uittorent. Daarna ging hij naar de Iraakse hoofdstad Bagdad, naar de Groene Zone die na de oorlog is ontstaan en ontdekte de geneugten van het leven in de bruisende oude stad voordat hij de beroemde Ziggurat van Ur bezocht.
Hij ervaart hoe het leven is voor de 40 miljoen mensen die vandaag in Irak wonen en verkent zowel het beleid van een eliteschool als facetten van de oude geschiedenis zoals Mesopotamië, de bakermat van de beschaving.
In combinatie met de vele foto’s die hij tijdens zijn reis maakte, schetst Palin een levendig portret van een complex land, dat maar weinig buitenstaanders écht te zien krijgen.
April 7, 2024
Still going strong at 78, Palin delivers yet another immensely readable chronicle of his whistle-stop tour through Iraq. While it doesn’t score highly for depth or nuance, Into Iraq does deliver honest observations about contemporary Iraq mixed with sharp witticisms and an infectious zest for travel. In this alone, it makes for a very refreshing read, especially when compared to other books on Iraq (typically dense tomes about the country’s history and politics). Also worth mentioning is the liberal use of photographs that help contextualise much of the accompanying text - I wish more travel writing followed this format!
January 10, 2023
Very interesting and engaging throughout.
As noted by previous reviews, the book goes along well with the tv series, but the chapters always end with you wanting to know more about the people and places he encounters on his journey.
As noted by previous reviews, the book goes along well with the tv series, but the chapters always end with you wanting to know more about the people and places he encounters on his journey.
November 21, 2023
‘I’m glad I went to Iraq and I would go back, for the one reason that I met many good people there, and I would like to see them again’
Michael Palin has been travelling across the world for decades. These travels are best known from the television series for which these journeys are designed, but he also writes books to accompany them.
These books are necessary to get a true picture of what he experiences. They are a compilation of his thoughts recorded by note book and voice recorder. They are usually humorous and full of good spirits. This reflects his travels to locations either inherently comedic or full of the vibrancy of change.
This book is different. Palin follows the Tigris from source to mouth; beginning in Turkey and ending in the tiny strip of Iraqi coastline sandwiched between Kuwait and Iran. This is a region of, civil war, terror, and atrocities. Even Palin struggles to find any good, and humour, in this region.
Of course, he finds great community events and individuals who seem to herald a better future. But these are specks of light amid a canvas of corruption, stagnation, and the ever-looking threat of internecine conflict. The juxtaposition between modern Iraq and the ruins of the ancient civilisations which stretch back to the dawn of civilisation is extreme. In each page, one can see the conflict within Palin as he tries to be optimistic.
This book is not one to be read as a happy travel guide. It cannot be called enjoyable because Palin exposes a national tragedy. However, this book is as important as it is interesting because Palin speaks to ordinary people going about their lives. He humanises the varied peoples of the extraordinary and embattled country.
Michael Palin has been travelling across the world for decades. These travels are best known from the television series for which these journeys are designed, but he also writes books to accompany them.
These books are necessary to get a true picture of what he experiences. They are a compilation of his thoughts recorded by note book and voice recorder. They are usually humorous and full of good spirits. This reflects his travels to locations either inherently comedic or full of the vibrancy of change.
This book is different. Palin follows the Tigris from source to mouth; beginning in Turkey and ending in the tiny strip of Iraqi coastline sandwiched between Kuwait and Iran. This is a region of, civil war, terror, and atrocities. Even Palin struggles to find any good, and humour, in this region.
Of course, he finds great community events and individuals who seem to herald a better future. But these are specks of light amid a canvas of corruption, stagnation, and the ever-looking threat of internecine conflict. The juxtaposition between modern Iraq and the ruins of the ancient civilisations which stretch back to the dawn of civilisation is extreme. In each page, one can see the conflict within Palin as he tries to be optimistic.
This book is not one to be read as a happy travel guide. It cannot be called enjoyable because Palin exposes a national tragedy. However, this book is as important as it is interesting because Palin speaks to ordinary people going about their lives. He humanises the varied peoples of the extraordinary and embattled country.
March 5, 2025
Het perfecte boek om in 1 a 2 middagen uit te lezen. (Liefst in de zon op een warme maartdag met een lellebel in je knuist, red.). Hoewel Naar Irak, zoals de titel doet vermoeden, geen literair hoogstandje is, leest het prettig en voelt het aan of je net een documentaire hebt gezien. De vormgeving was verrassend mooi, met kleurrijke hoofdstukpagina’s en veel plaatjesssssss. Recommend voor mensen die weinig lezen
December 11, 2023
As always, a fascinating journey with Palin. An interesting and reflective account of time in a fascinating and complex country.
Read
September 3, 2024Michael Palin's notebook from a journey through Iraq in 2022. Well written and honest portrayal of a hurt and troubled country
January 12, 2026
Detailed but brief account of travels throughout Iraq, with great descriptives of Palin's account from a historians point of view.
January 29, 2024
Short but sweet, Palin highlights enough of Iraq’s cultural and societal treasures to make one see the nation’s potential. I just hope they’re able to blend that history into their future.
August 21, 2023
Interesting narrative in the usual Palin style. Not much humour in this one.
March 17, 2025
«Το Μάρτιο του 2022, ο Μάικλ Πάλιν ταξίδεψε κατά μήκος του ποταμού Τίγρη για να αποκτήσει μια αίσθηση του πώς είναι η ζωή σε μια περιοχή του κόσμου που κάποτε αποτέλεσε το λίκνο του πολιτισμού, ωστόσο τα τελευταία χρόνια ταλαιπωρείται από αναταραχές και φρικιαστικά αιματοκυλίσματα. Στο ημερολόγιο που κράτησε κατά τη διάρκεια του ταξιδιού του, περιγράφει την κατεστραμμένη Μοσούλη και τα παιδιά που συναντά που μεγαλώνουν μέσα στα ερείπιά της. Στοχάζεται πάνω από τα γκράφιτι που καλύπτουν τα ερείπια των πρώην παλατιών του Σαντάμ και σημειώνει την συνεχόμενη παρουσία ένοπλων φρουρών. Όμως, υπάρχουν και στιγμές φωτός μέσα στο σκοτάδι: θορυβώδεις εορτασμοί Πρωτοχρονιάς στο Άκρε, η φιλικότητα στρατηγών και συνταγματαρχών στο «Checkpoint Cheerful» και δημόσιες αναγνώσεις ποιημάτων στη Βαγδάτη. Άνθρωποι που συνεχίζουν τη ζωή τους. Ταυτόχρονα, ο Μάικλ παρακολουθεί την πορεία ενός από τους μεγάλους ποταμούς του κόσμου, δείχνοντας πώς το νερό που έδινε ζωή σε αρχαίους οικισμούς όπως η Βαβυλώνα και η Ουρ, τώρα γίνεται ένα σπάνιο και αμφισβητούμενο αγαθό και εξετάζει τον ρόλο του άλλου μεγάλου φυσικού πόρου του Ιράκ – του πετρελαίου – τόσο στην παροχή πλούτου όσο και στην απειλή για την πολιτική σταθερότητα. Εικονογραφημένο καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια με έγχρωμες φωτογραφίες από το ταξίδι, και διαποτισμένο με τη ζεστασιά και το χιούμορ του, αυτό είναι ένα ζωντανό και ποικίλο πορτρέτο μιας πολύπλοκης χώρας.»
Ο Michael Palin, με χιούμορ και κριτική ματιά, αναδεικνύει τη σύγκρουση ανάμεσα στην καθημερινή ζωή των Ιρακινών και τις πολιτικές εντάσεις της εποχής. Η πλήρης ενσυναίσθησης αφήγησή του μας δίνει ιστορίες για τις σοβαρές επιπτώσεις του πολέμου και της πολιτικής κρίσης, μετριασμένες συχνά με χιούμορ.
Η έρευνά του στο Ιράκ πριν από τον πόλεμο προσφέρει στους αναγνώστες μια σπάνια και αληθινή εικόνα για τη ζωή στη χώρα και την κοινωνία της, πέρα από τα κλισέ και τις πολιτικές αντιπαραθέσεις. Επιπλέον, η παρουσίαση του Ιράκ ως έναν τόπο γεμάτο αντίθεση – με την ιστορία του, τις παραδόσεις του, την τεχνολογία του και τις δυσκολίες του – είναι ιδιαίτερα αξιόλογη και σε κάποιο βαθμό εκπαιδευτική.
Για κανένα λόγο δεν είναι εγχειρίδιο ιστορίας μιας περιόδου του Ιράκ, δεδομένου ότι το χιούμορ έχει σταθερή παρουσία ενώ η πολιτική ανάλυση «δεν ξύνει πυθμένα». Ωστόσο είναι μια συναισθηματικά πλούσια και διαφωτιστική καταγραφή ενός πολύ συγκεκριμένου χρονικού σημείου και ενός τόπου, με το μοναδικό στυλ και τον χαρακτήρα του Michael Palin. Για εκείνους που αναζητούν μια προσωπική και ανθρώπινη προσέγγιση στη σύγκρουση του Ιράκ, είναι ένα αξιόλογο ανάγνωσμα.
Μπορεί να ήταν και 3,5 αλλά από αγάπη για τον Μάικλ ζντρονγκηλέβω σε τέσσαρο
Ο Michael Palin, με χιούμορ και κριτική ματιά, αναδεικνύει τη σύγκρουση ανάμεσα στην καθημερινή ζωή των Ιρακινών και τις πολιτικές εντάσεις της εποχής. Η πλήρης ενσυναίσθησης αφήγησή του μας δίνει ιστορίες για τις σοβαρές επιπτώσεις του πολέμου και της πολιτικής κρίσης, μετριασμένες συχνά με χιούμορ.
Η έρευνά του στο Ιράκ πριν από τον πόλεμο προσφέρει στους αναγνώστες μια σπάνια και αληθινή εικόνα για τη ζωή στη χώρα και την κοινωνία της, πέρα από τα κλισέ και τις πολιτικές αντιπαραθέσεις. Επιπλέον, η παρουσίαση του Ιράκ ως έναν τόπο γεμάτο αντίθεση – με την ιστορία του, τις παραδόσεις του, την τεχνολογία του και τις δυσκολίες του – είναι ιδιαίτερα αξιόλογη και σε κάποιο βαθμό εκπαιδευτική.
Για κανένα λόγο δεν είναι εγχειρίδιο ιστορίας μιας περιόδου του Ιράκ, δεδομένου ότι το χιούμορ έχει σταθερή παρουσία ενώ η πολιτική ανάλυση «δεν ξύνει πυθμένα». Ωστόσο είναι μια συναισθηματικά πλούσια και διαφωτιστική καταγραφή ενός πολύ συγκεκριμένου χρονικού σημείου και ενός τόπου, με το μοναδικό στυλ και τον χαρακτήρα του Michael Palin. Για εκείνους που αναζητούν μια προσωπική και ανθρώπινη προσέγγιση στη σύγκρουση του Ιράκ, είναι ένα αξιόλογο ανάγνωσμα.
Μπορεί να ήταν και 3,5 αλλά από αγάπη για τον Μάικλ ζντρονγκηλέβω σε τέσσαρο
December 9, 2022
When I recently saw this book in a bookstore I knew I just had to read it. In 1979, my first tour as an international tour leader, after a month long European training trip, I was sent wth a driver ( both of us NZers) to Istanbul to meet a tour group of Aussies, Kiwis & Canadians who had flown out of Kabul - the beginnings of unrest there - & to take them through Turkey, into Syria, Jordan, Israel then across the Syrian Desert to Baghdad & loop around Iraq, pretty well the reverse of Michael Palin’s journey. We visited Babylon, Ur, the Marsh Arabs, Samarra, pHatra (Michael Palin didn’t go there unfortunately) & Mosul before exiting back into Turkey. It was a memorable journey in happier days - with no roadblocks! Although I led Overland tours many times to Syria, Jordan & Israel, this was the only time I visited Iraq, as about 3 weeks later Saddam Hussein took over Supreme power & tourist access more or less ceased.
I was most interested to read Michael Palin’s contemporary, very readable account & compare it to what I had experienced over 40 years ago. Michael writes with empathy about the people of a land who have suffered so much misery in recent decades. It certainly brought back memories. I feel so privileged to have been able to visit Babylon, the Marsh Arabs & Ur before they had been ‘modified’ by Saddam Hussein. I now look forward to seeing the TV series which hopefully will be shown on NZ Tv before too long.
I was most interested to read Michael Palin’s contemporary, very readable account & compare it to what I had experienced over 40 years ago. Michael writes with empathy about the people of a land who have suffered so much misery in recent decades. It certainly brought back memories. I feel so privileged to have been able to visit Babylon, the Marsh Arabs & Ur before they had been ‘modified’ by Saddam Hussein. I now look forward to seeing the TV series which hopefully will be shown on NZ Tv before too long.
January 14, 2024
For years, it seemed 2012's Brazil was to be Michael Palin's swansong - and one in which he moved away from his trademark celebration of travel and movement and into a more documentary format, rocking up in convenient places to deliver a piece to camera. Marked down by the BBC for not being trendy enough, it looked the end of a spectacular era of travel documentaries.
But then in 2018, heh teamed up with Channel 5 with a headline-grabbing trip to North Korea, and in 2022, aged 79, it was off to Iraq. These are shorter trips - a fortnight each - and the accompanying book does read a little bit like a travel blog (short, with maybe half the space taken up with photos), it's recognisably Michael Palin for all that. It's too easy to make a trip to Iraq be about bad news - and there is mentions of ISIS and the role of women in a conservative Muslim society and a touching piece on kids playing in war-torn Mosul - but this is Palin, so he tries to focus on the nice side of things. So there's performing street pigeons, bustling tea shops and restaurants, a huge New Year's festival in Iraqi Kurdistan, fascinating ancient sites such as the Ziggurat at Ur, the minaret at Samarra, and the ruins of Babylon, surprisingly grandiose Islamic tourist sites at the likes of Karbala, and - of course - long-distance trains. In the hands of Palin, it all sounds like a visitable place.
That said, even Palin can't hide his note of caution. ISIS remain a big threat (Palin likens sandbagged roadblocks to the North in the 80s), many of the ancient ruins are really modern versions rebuilt by Hussain, corruption is rife, increasing global temperatures will impact places like Iraq more than most, and people want to leave, which just holds the place back.
In the accompanying TV series, Palin does look his 78 years from time to time. But the books remain as thought-provoking as ever.
But then in 2018, heh teamed up with Channel 5 with a headline-grabbing trip to North Korea, and in 2022, aged 79, it was off to Iraq. These are shorter trips - a fortnight each - and the accompanying book does read a little bit like a travel blog (short, with maybe half the space taken up with photos), it's recognisably Michael Palin for all that. It's too easy to make a trip to Iraq be about bad news - and there is mentions of ISIS and the role of women in a conservative Muslim society and a touching piece on kids playing in war-torn Mosul - but this is Palin, so he tries to focus on the nice side of things. So there's performing street pigeons, bustling tea shops and restaurants, a huge New Year's festival in Iraqi Kurdistan, fascinating ancient sites such as the Ziggurat at Ur, the minaret at Samarra, and the ruins of Babylon, surprisingly grandiose Islamic tourist sites at the likes of Karbala, and - of course - long-distance trains. In the hands of Palin, it all sounds like a visitable place.
That said, even Palin can't hide his note of caution. ISIS remain a big threat (Palin likens sandbagged roadblocks to the North in the 80s), many of the ancient ruins are really modern versions rebuilt by Hussain, corruption is rife, increasing global temperatures will impact places like Iraq more than most, and people want to leave, which just holds the place back.
In the accompanying TV series, Palin does look his 78 years from time to time. But the books remain as thought-provoking as ever.
January 24, 2025
Michael Palin is always a.great. He has done numerous travel books and TV programs since Around The World in 80 Days in the late 80s. His travels maybe aren't along these days,.he's no longer a young man (he's now 81) but they are still fascinating.
Into Iraq goes alongside his TV series of the same name. In Iraq he finds a country with a rich history that most of us never get to see. It's a country with so much potential that often isn't realised for many reasons not least the fragmentation of the country he sees and the corruption within.
Although his conclusions may be a little downbeat he still finds reasons for hope. As I've said before the compelling thing about Michael Palin's travel books is the stories of the people he meets. He draws out their stories making a fascinating read and takes us beyond the images and stereotypes of the country we may have seen on TV.
Another great addition to his travels. Will he do another one? He's indicated he has an idea for another one. I hope so.
Into Iraq goes alongside his TV series of the same name. In Iraq he finds a country with a rich history that most of us never get to see. It's a country with so much potential that often isn't realised for many reasons not least the fragmentation of the country he sees and the corruption within.
Although his conclusions may be a little downbeat he still finds reasons for hope. As I've said before the compelling thing about Michael Palin's travel books is the stories of the people he meets. He draws out their stories making a fascinating read and takes us beyond the images and stereotypes of the country we may have seen on TV.
Another great addition to his travels. Will he do another one? He's indicated he has an idea for another one. I hope so.
January 9, 2023
Het nieuwste Michael Palin boek en ik heb me echt genoten! Vroeger heb ik series en volgens mij ook boeken gelezen van hem dus ik was heel enthousiast om weer een nieuwe te proberen. En nu wil ik ook zijn andere boeken weer lezen/herlezen! Dit boek was echt heel leuk geschreven, de vertaling was OK (wat kleine foutjes/zinnen die toch net niet lekker liepen), en ik zat er helemaal in, ik kon gewoon niet stoppen. Palin heeft nog steeds een heerlijke manier van vertellen en ik had veel plezier hem te volgen door Irak. Van noord naar zuid. Te lezen over de verdrietige dingen maar ook over mooie dingen. Zien wie hij ontmoet en wat hij zoal eet. Over spannende momenten.
En er waren echt tonnen met foto's. Heerlijk. Ik vind reisboeken veel leuker als ze foto's hebben door het boek heen, en dus niet ergens in het midden een velletje of zo, of helemaal niks. Ik ben erg visueel ingesteld dus foto's zijn echt nodig voor mij.
En er waren echt tonnen met foto's. Heerlijk. Ik vind reisboeken veel leuker als ze foto's hebben door het boek heen, en dus niet ergens in het midden een velletje of zo, of helemaal niks. Ik ben erg visueel ingesteld dus foto's zijn echt nodig voor mij.
April 8, 2025
I hadn't realised Michael Palin had made a travel series about Iraq until I spotted this book, 'Into Iraq'. The series is still available on catch-up on Channel 5 and I will watch it soon. I did grab the book from the library though and read it over a couple of days. The journey covers all the main places in Iraq and pretty much follows a path between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. He's only there for a couple of weeks though so the book is much slimmer that his usual ones. It's filled with beautiful photos on almost every page and written like a diary with the days/chapters each separated by a full page of colourful Arabic style geometric patterns. It's such a beautiful book, I really didn't like having to give it back! The text is interesting too and although I thought I knew quite a lot about Iraq, I still learnt plenty. I've since found out he's also made a trip to North Korea, so I have that book on order at the library.
December 26, 2023
Palin writes down his experience of Iraq in the couple of weeks he spent there for a docuseries. The book is a day by day account on how he is experiencing the cities and places he goes too. As an Iraqi, most of the things he talks about I already knew, however this is a really nice book to give you a personal guide on Iraq and its diverse population and how Palin experienced the state of the nation (Which I think is accurate). He talks about a variety of things, like the checkpoints, the droughts, the recovery, architecture and legacy, Palin also gives nice small snippets of Iraqi history as to understand the context of Iraq, which makes the book nicer to read. Overall, a good book to read if you have the intention of visiting Iraq or want to know a little more about how you might experience Iraq, just as Palin experienced it.
June 24, 2024
Michael Palin continues his travels into interesting and hard to get to places.
I haven't seen the show of this one either, but both this book and the last North Korea Journal are short, simple and frankly less exciting. I'm unsure whether this is due to the authors age, the locations of the books (places with more security and censoring), or something else.
I felt like this one lacked the Palin charm that I'm used to, but again it could be due to the tensions of the country itself.
Nonetheless it was still interesting, I'd never heard of the Malwiya minaret or the ziggurat at Ur. The geometric divider pages are also very beautiful.
I haven't seen the show of this one either, but both this book and the last North Korea Journal are short, simple and frankly less exciting. I'm unsure whether this is due to the authors age, the locations of the books (places with more security and censoring), or something else.
I felt like this one lacked the Palin charm that I'm used to, but again it could be due to the tensions of the country itself.
Nonetheless it was still interesting, I'd never heard of the Malwiya minaret or the ziggurat at Ur. The geometric divider pages are also very beautiful.
September 2, 2024
It's like someone else said - this is like catching up with an old friend.
This is an easy book to read and shorter that Michael's other books. It's shorter than his other books because Michael only spent three weeks in Iraq. Michael says at the beginning of the book that he was warned not to go out on his own, especially at night. He's used to mingling with people on his own to get the feel of the places that he's visiting and he couldn't do that in this series because of the security restrictions placed on him. You can feel his frustration at times at not being able to interact with people the way he usually does. That put a damper on his style. I enjoyed the book all the same.
There's a lot of history in this area. I hope the Iraqis find their way to restoring that history. It's sad to see the destruction that's taken place there.
This is an easy book to read and shorter that Michael's other books. It's shorter than his other books because Michael only spent three weeks in Iraq. Michael says at the beginning of the book that he was warned not to go out on his own, especially at night. He's used to mingling with people on his own to get the feel of the places that he's visiting and he couldn't do that in this series because of the security restrictions placed on him. You can feel his frustration at times at not being able to interact with people the way he usually does. That put a damper on his style. I enjoyed the book all the same.
There's a lot of history in this area. I hope the Iraqis find their way to restoring that history. It's sad to see the destruction that's taken place there.
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