Following the Equator

‘Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn‘t.‘ First published in 1897, Following the Equator is Mark Twain‘s fascinating travelogue recounting his journey across the British Empire. Written with satirical flair and insightful social commentary, Following the Equator sees Twain‘s epic journey across South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Initially undertaken to avoid bankruptcy, providing lectures in English to keep him afloat, Twain‘s travels soon evolve into an opportunity for profound reflection, as he delves into the local inhabitants, flora and fauna, politics, food and cultural customs of each country he visits. Including fictional interludes featuring Cecil Rhodes and how he made his fortune, as well as Cornelius Vanderbilt and a forged letter of introduction, Twain‘s brilliantly unique travelogue remains a charming romp across the globe. Mark Twain (1835 – 1910), the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was an American writer and essayist. Famed for his wit and satire, he quickly became a sought-after writer and speaker, and was labelled the ‘greatest humorist the United States has produced‘ by the New York Times. Today, he is considered as the father of modern American literature.