A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe

by John MacGregor, Brian R. Kologe (Introduction)

First published in 1866, this book caused a sensation in Europe and America, sparking a wave of recreational canoeing by such well-known figures as Robert Louis Stevenson and inspiring paddlers from the Victorians to the modern practitioners of canoe camping and sea kayaking.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1867

About the author

John Rob Roy MacGregor was a Scottish philanthropist, explorer and travel writer.

Reviews

[SD Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read

I would highly recommend this book to those interested in paddling and other water sports. Its well written and flows well.

[Tome Addiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable story of adventure from the 19th century. People have been canoeing and adventuring down rivers and across land for centuries and since the modern day for just the hobby/adventure of it.

[Sarah Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspired to read my copy dated 1910 because of the frontis illustration showing the author in his oak canoe....wearing a suit and tie !. Written in 1866 the author would undertake several bonkers long voyages...without any form of backup, no commumication apart from the occasional telegraph, and no means of recording his journey other than his diary and sketchbook. Oh and he doesnt really speak any other languages to speak of either. Yet throughout he is eternally optimistic and able to befriend locals into helping him carry his canoe , and is amazingly down to earth at describing the fear on discovering a wier or waterfall which he duly plunges through. ...still wearing his Norfolk frock coat!. It is utterly charming..poses an idyllic sense of freedom to choose his own journey, along normally sunny rivers from dawn till dusk, enjoying flora, fauna and locals. A totally different vintage read.

[Gregor Erbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Der englische Rechtsanwalt John McGregor gilt als Pionier des Kajakfahrens in Europa. In diesem Buch beschreibt er eine Reise mit dem selbstgebauten Holzkajak "Rob Roy" auf verschiedenen Flüssen im Mitteleuropa des 19. Jahrhunderts, seine Abenteuer beim Kajaktransport mit der Eisenbahn, seine Begegnungen mit verständnislosen Einheimischen und seine Erlebnisse auf verschiedenen Flüssen. Besonders amüsant sind seine Bemerkugnen über die englischen Touristen in der Schweiz. Mit Flanellanzug und Hut bekleidet schreckt er auch vor Wildwasser nicht zurück und wird nur durch das Eingreifen eines einheimischen Jungen an der Befahrung eines Wasserfalls gehindert. Sehr humorvoll geschrieben und unterhaltsam zu lesen.

[Dominik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. What made it even more fascinating, was the areas he passed through then, which I know. To hear the differences that have existed. One thing that I find interesting is that people had time for each other and anything that was unusual...

[Myname Aintjamesjr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid book that reads well but isn't necessarily a page turner like An Inland Voyage. It's a great look at a world and way of life now long passed and is also a glimpse into the earliest days of recreational canoeing.

[Jekyvsk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant and amusing travel narrative of a season spent canoeing through the byways of Europe, the various townspeople that the author met on the way, and their perception of him and his canoe.

[Keith Wahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Rule, Britannia!" ;)

Read the book, you'll understand the comment.