North Korea Journal by Michael Palin
COMING 28TH MAY: The new travel journal Michael Palin In Nigeria
ALSO AVAILABLE TO PREORDER NOW: MICHAEL PALIN IN THE PHILIPPINES - COMING SEPTEMBER 2026.
THE BOOK BEHIND THE HIT DOCUMENTARY
A glimpse of life inside the world’s most secretive country, as told by Britain’s best-loved travel writer.
In May 2018, former Monty Python stalwart and intrepid globetrotter Michael Palin spent two weeks in the notoriously secretive Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, a cut-off land without internet or phone signal, where the countryside has barely moved beyond a centuries-old peasant economy but where the cities have gleaming skyscrapers and luxurious underground train stations. His resulting documentary for Channel 5 was widely acclaimed.
Now he shares his day-by-day diary of his visit, in which he describes not only what he saw – and his fleeting views of what the authorities didn’t want him to see – but recounts the conversations he had with the country’s inhabitants, talks candidly about his encounters with officialdom, and records his musings about a land wholly unlike any other he has ever visited – one that inspires fascination and fear in equal measure.
Written with Palin’s trademark warmth and wit, and illustrated with beautiful colour photographs throughout, the journal offers a rare insight into the North Korea behind the headlines.
A fascinating proposition . . . [a] winning mix of genuine interest, good-humoured charm and that deceptively steely nose for humbug. * Wanderlust *
An eye-opening look at a place that doesn’t figure on most travellers' bucket lists * Kirkus *
The Python’s most dangerous journey yet. Palin journeyed into the heart of Kim Jong-un’s repressive and secretive regime. * The Times, 50 Best Book for Autumn *
[Lifts] the veil on one of the last blind spots on the globe * Irish Independent *
The most recent – and the most extraordinary – trip was his exploration of North Korea… in his North Korea Journal… he offers fresh insight into the secretive country, which he approached with his signature openness and curiosity. * Radio Times *
Reading his account . . . one is reminded afresh of Palin’s great qualities as a traveller – his curiosity, good humour, and willingness to see the best in everyone he encounters. * Telegraph *
A fascinating and humorous document * Choice Magazine *
Gem of a book * Daily Express *
It’s a typically entertaining guide, combining travelogue tips with his own interesting observations * RTE Guide *
TV adventurer and Monty Python legend Michael Palin recounts his most recent travel escapades . . . the book details a world of gleaming skyscrapers, an airport with no passengers and a countryside where centuries-old traditions dominate * Best Travel Books, ShortList *
The book is full of stunning photography which shows the natural splendour and beauty of Korea. And it also affords a rare glimpse of a non-communist who is really attempting to get to the pulse of everyday life in the country. Palin has a refreshing honesty about people who we almost never get to see. * Morning Star *
His careful probing and gentle observations of a country that is at once suffocated by suppression and highly-functioning make for an eye-opening account with a level of humanity that often gets lost in the headlines. -- 8 Great books for Escapism * Luxury London *
A typically cracking Palin read with loads of lovely photos. -- Best Christmas travel reads * Daily Express *
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781786331908 |
| ISBN 10 | 178633190X |
| Title | North Korea Journal |
| Author | Michael Palin |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Cornerstone |
| Year published | 2019-09-19 |
| Number of pages | 176 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |