Richard Halliburton (1) (1900–)

The Royal Road to Romance opens with Halliburton's Princeton days when the mere scent of apple blossoms could distract him from his studies. Indeed, he had an adventurous spirit from a very young age and was a self-proclaimed "horizon chaser." Later he calls himself the "devil's pet protégé", unable to resist the call of the road.
Halliburton was a reckless adventurer. He yielded to illegal temptations all the time. He told a stranger he was "in quest of the pot of gold at the foot of the rainbow" (p 102). For some reason he and his roommate wanted to climb the Matterhorn so badly that they were willing to lie about their mountaineering experience and hide their lack of equipment. They traveled without an itinerary; going where the fancy took them. Halliburton made impetuous decisions - jumping off a train somewhere in Switzerland because he couldn't get a sense of the countryside by rail, breaking into the gardens of the Generalife by scaling a wall protected by thorny rose bushes, or using lies to get where he anywhere needed to go. He told one farmer he was a horse doctor so that he could acquire a donkey. After he was arrested he told a guard he was a train robber and bigamist and then stole a copy of the Short History of Gibraltar as a souvenir of his penal adventure.
Other adventures include climbing the pyramids at night, swimming naked in the Nile, trekking to the city of Ladakh where only twelve white visitors are allowed each year (because he wants to see a town that practices polyandry) and climbing Mount Fuji in the offseason, just to say he did.… (altro)

"The Glorious Adventure" is an exhilarating travel memoir written by Richard Halliburton. Published in 1927, the book chronicles Halliburton's remarkable journey around the world, filled with thrilling escapades and captivating encounters.

In "The Glorious Adventure," Halliburton takes readers on a whirlwind tour, exploring diverse landscapes, cultures, and historical landmarks. From climbing the Matterhorn and swimming across the Panama Canal to visiting ancient ruins in Greece and Egypt, Halliburton's adventures are both daring and awe-inspiring.

Through his vivid and evocative storytelling, Halliburton captures the essence of each destination, describing the sights, sounds, and sensations that he experiences along the way. He delves into the historical significance of the places he visits, bringing to life the stories of the people and civilizations that have shaped the world.

"The Glorious Adventure" is not just a travelogue but also an introspective reflection on the transformative power of travel. Halliburton shares his personal insights, emotions, and philosophical musings as he immerses himself in different cultures and landscapes. He ponders the meaning of life, the pursuit of adventure, and the enduring spirit of exploration.

Halliburton's writing style is engaging and poetic, infused with a sense of wonder and curiosity. His enthusiasm for travel is infectious, inspiring readers to embark on their own quests for adventure and discovery.

"The Glorious Adventure" is a captivating blend of adventure, history, and personal reflection. It transports readers to exotic locales and invites them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. It is a testament to the power of travel to broaden horizons, ignite passions, and transform lives.… (altro)

"Royal Road to Romance" is an adventurous travel memoir written by Richard Halliburton. First published in 1925, the book takes readers on an exciting journey as Halliburton embarks on a quest to explore the world's most captivating destinations.

In "Royal Road to Romance," Halliburton shares his personal experiences and encounters as he travels through Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. With a blend of wit, charm, and a thirst for adventure, he immerses himself in the cultures and histories of the places he visits.

The book chronicles Halliburton's daring escapades, such as swimming the Hellespont, retracing the steps of the Greek poet Byron, climbing the Matterhorn, and exploring ancient ruins in Egypt. Through his vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Halliburton invites readers to join him on his exploits and experience the thrill of discovering new lands and cultures.

"Royal Road to Romance" not only captures the allure of travel but also explores the universal human desire for adventure and the pursuit of one's dreams. Halliburton's narrative conveys a sense of wonder and enthusiasm, inspiring readers to embrace the spirit of exploration and seize the opportunities that come their way.

With its combination of travelogue, autobiography, and historical commentary, "Royal Road to Romance" has captivated generations of readers, fueling their imaginations and igniting a passion for travel and discovery. It remains a classic in the genre of travel literature, offering a delightful escape into the world of exploration and adventure.… (altro)

By the same author of The Royal Road to Romance, The Glorious Adventure, New Worlds to Conquer. Illustrated. Richard Halliburton could be counted on to lead his readers into strange places, hilarious difficulties, and bizarre adventures. He had already proved that you could see the world without a dime in your pocket, and have a whale of a time doing it. Yet after various adventures on land and by sea, America's most dashing traveler decided there was only path left open for him - the sky itself. "The Flying Carpet" was Halliburton's fourth and most famous book and details his epic adventures flying a bi-plane through remote parts of the globe. It recounts how Halliburton landed in Timbuctoo, passed over Mt. Everest, flew over the Taj Mahal upside down, and dropped down into the jungles of Borneo to visit native head hunters. "Stephens," Halliburton told the pilot, "I've just given myself an airplane and I want you to fly us to all the outlandish places in the world, Turkey, Persia, Paris and - Pasadena. We're going to fly across deserts, over mountains, rescue imprisoned princesses and fight dragons. We must have the world. We can have the world!" If one book can summarize all the reckless love of life and romance that symbolized Richard Halliburton, then this is the book.… (altro)