Books like The Pillars of Hercules by Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux embarks on a modern Grand Tour that begins at Gibraltar, one of the fabled Pillars of Hercules, and winds around the entire Mediterranean basin. Across Spain’s coast, the French Riviera, and the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily, he moves by foot, train, bus, and cruise ship, taking in the landscapes and cultures of Italy and the Greek islands. His journey leads further south to Albania in turmoil, war‑torn Croatia, and beyond, before sailing into Istanbul and the wider Levant. Continuing through Damascus, Israel, Egypt, and eventually Morocco and Tangier, Theroux weaves contemporary experience with the echoes of ancient myths and the legacies of authors such as Homer, Fitzgerald, Joyce, Waugh, Levi, and Durrell. Throughout, he contrasts modern realities with timeless traditions, offering a richly textured portrait of life along the Mediterranean today.

First publish date: 1995