"In a Sunburned Country"

Bill Bryson goes Down Under and finds an underdiscovered country with the friendliest inhabitants and the most peculiar and lethal wildlife on the planet.

Published June 19, 2001 11:03PM (EDT)

Like many of his generation, Bill Bryson backpacked across Europe in the early '70s in search of enlightenment, beer and women. Over 20 years later, the acclaimed author of "Notes From a Small Island" and "A Walk in the Woods" decided to retrace the journey he undertook in the halcyon days of his youth, carrying with him a bag of maps, old clothes ... and a stinging wit honed to razor sharpness by two decades of adult experience.

For his latest book, "In a Sunburned Country," he has traveled all the way to Australia, a shockingly underdiscovered country with the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather and the most peculiar and lethal wildlife to be found on the planet.

"In a Sunburned Country" is his report on what he found there -- a deliciously funny, fact-filled and adventurous performance by a writer who combines humor, wonder and unflagging curiosity.


By Salon Staff

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