John says, 'Welcome to my website, which now has a new STOCKISTS page - small but beautifully formed.'

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FAR-SEEING STOCKISTS

All good bookshops can obtain copies of ‘Surface Male’ for their customers, but some outlets have already recognised the book's potential. I would like to thank these retailers for stocking the title on their shelves, thus allowing browsers to admire the glossy cover, feel the weight of the hardback, savour the photographs, smile at the captions, sample the text and consider the book’s value as a gift. Please go to STOCKISTS page.

If you are a retailer wishing to stock tomorrow's bestseller or you know of any shop displaying it although not yet on the list, would you kindly let me know – via the ‘CONTACTS’ page  ?

1.4.12

BOOK LAUNCH – 15^th March 2012 See Video

In Wareham Parish Hall, 65 people sipped champagne and tucked into fresh canapés from the ‘Salt Pig’ restaurant as they studied a display of maps, flags, John Barclay’s notebooks, his much-stamped passport, photographs, book reviews – all showing aspects of his journey around the world without flying.

John himself took to the stage to welcome everyone to what he described as a ‘celebration’ and thank them for their help and support. He talked about his travels, reading short extracts from ‘Surface Male’. One of these described the shock of stumbling upon street children sleeping on the pavement in San Salvador. John took questions from the audience. Then a presentation to him of a giant inflated globe, by fellow Rex Player Mike Cawson, developed into an elaborate comedy routine as the two struggled to shake hands without losing their grip on the world. This was followed by six hefty drumbeats and a procession led by a euphonium player from the Town Band, followed by two men in bowler hats bearing copies of the new book with John re-appearing on the end of the line.

38 copies of the book were sold and John signed even more. The evening raised £140 for the British charity ‘Toybox’, which works with street children in El Salvador and other Latin-American countries.

                                                                                                                      Philip Symes

See video on the Publications page.

RATED 9/10 BY ESSENTIAL TRAVEL MAGAZINE

'The trip continues predominantly off the beaten tourist track, and normally without the benefit of much planning. This gives the reader a unique insight into the countries John visits that following the established travel routes simply wouldn’t afford. . . . fast-paced, ever-changing and above all exciting . . . genuinely offers an interesting take on some amazing countries that become more desirable to visit with the turn of every page.'

Full review: www.essentialtravel.co.uk/magazine/the-buzz/surface-male.asp

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT 'SURFACE MALE':

'The fascinating and instructive attention to detail, the acute powers of observation, the humour, the dialogue, the evident writing skills, all of these and more combine to make this so much more than simply 'yet another travel book'. T H

'Detail good enough to put you there on the boat or the precarious bus or bike.' E

‘John Barclay’s odyssey, I concluded, was not so much about travel but about proving that, at a time when many turn to gardening and golf, it is never too late to challenge, confront, learn and grow.’ S D

' . . . caused me to laugh at nearly every page .  . . The descriptions of places and people were excellent. Very well written and the photos were superb.' M

' . . . laughed aloud a lot and agonised with you along the way. Great fun, and thought provoking.' R W

Early morning in downtown Kuala Lumpur. The first of the fleet of bike-borne messengers checks his packed lunch before setting out to bring the good news to the world. 

'SURFACE MALE - Round the World Without Flying' has taken off (without the use of aviation fuel, of course). The mighty travel memoir is available from good bookshops. Details have appeared on the websites of a number of on-line bookshops including the publishers' own.  See·Publications.

Meanwhile, bookings for·talks about my travels are building up - see Gigs.

To get in touch with me, please see·Contact page.

18.03.02