From Paris to New York by Land

by Unknown

Excerpt from From Paris to New York by Land
Many who read the following account of our long land journey will not unnaturally ask: "What was the object of this stupendous voyage, or the reward to be gained by this apparently unnecessary risk of life and endurance of hardships?"
I would reply that my primary purpose was to ascertain the feasibility of constructing a railway to connect the chief cities of France and America, Paris and New York. The European Press was at the time of our departure largely interested in this question, which fact induced the proprietors of the Daily Express of London, the Journal of Paris, and the New York World to contribute towards the expenses of the expedition. Another reason is one with which I fancy most Englishmen will readily sympathise - viz., the feat had never before been performed, and my first attempt to accomplish it in 1896 (with New York as the starting-point) had failed half way on the Siberian shores of Bering Straits.
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Genres: Travel, History, Nonfiction

406 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Unknown" when the author or editor (as applicable) is not known and cannot be discovered. If at all possible, list at least one actual author or editor for a book instead of using "Unknown".

Books whose authorship is purposefully withheld should be attributed instead to Anonymous.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly interesting account of a French-Englishman's journey through Siberia and over the Bering Straits to Alaska, for the purpose of determining whether a transcontinental railway could be built. His insights into the lifestyles of the Siberian natives in the early 1900's were interesting, and he seems to realize immediately upon reaching Alaska, that a railway from Paris to New York is probably never going to happen. No regrets, though, I'm sure.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very surprised by this book - its not the stuff i usually read - but the story had me enthralled.

As this was written approx 100 years ago it was fascinating to follow the trip using google maps to see if the Russian or Alaskan villages he mentions have grown into cities or simply disappeared into history books.

I must track down the authors other travel books and see if they provide such an interesting read.