Another great little offering from Bryson as he travels through the outback, sampling the delights of that most fortunate nation: Australia!

Cheap beer, Kangaroos, desert, beaches, gorgeous happy people, truly the blessed nation!

Bryson quickly dumps on that idea. Kangaroos? Well yeah, but they're pesky critters, and the whole country is one stinking swamp of venom, deadly creatures, heat and ickiness that would drive you crazy!

He manages to blend the usual Australia hype with a refreshing look at it's downside. The outback is nice, but oh so dull until you reach the good bits (Uluru). As usual he sometimes goes leaping off the far end with exploits that, while amusing, are scarcely credible (fleeing through the parks of Sydney from wild dogs, clambering into people's gardens etc... You ARE athletic Mr Bryson!).

All in all it adds up to a wonderful book, balanced with nice little facts and tips, and burgeoning with an enthusiasm for travel that makes you want to call the travel agent, book the tickets, and pack your bags. Until you read about the spiders of course.

The usual balance of witty humour, realistic appraisal (cutting comments not withheld) and a nice short read. Great.