The Last Overland cover art

The Last Overland

Singapore to London: The Return Journey of an Iconic Land Rover Expedition

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The Last Overland

By: Alex Bescoby
Narrated by: Alex Bescoby
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About this listen

THE STORY BEHIND ALL 4'S POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY SERIES

In 1955, a young TV producer named David Attenborough was approached by six graduates determined to drive the entire length of Eurasia from London to Singapore. It was the "unclimbed Everest of motoring"—many had tried, none had succeeded. Sensing this time might be different, Attenborough gave them enough film reel to cover their attempt. The 19,000-mile journey, captured in the BBC's series Travellers' Tales and in Tim Slessor's book The First Overland, captivated a nation. But fifty years later, Attenborough said he didn't think the journey could be made again today.

Inspired and desperate to prove Attenborough wrong, Alex Bescoby contacted Tim Slessor and together they planned to recreate the trip, this time from Singapore to London. In awe of the unstoppable Tim, and haunted by his own grandfather's deterioration due to tragedy and dementia, Alex soon finds himself on the defining trip of his lifetime and discovers how the world has changed for better—and for worse—since the First Overland.

©2022 Alex Bescoby (P)2022 W. F. Howes Ltd Expeditions & Discoveries Travel Writing & Commentary World Singapore England

Critic Reviews

“This is a fabulous adventure–reckless, insanely ambitious and filled with sweat, tears and laughter...irresistible reading.” JOANNA LUMLEY
All stars
Most relevant  
Loved it all. As a Land Rover fan I loved the detail, but I also loved the adventure story and even how it all came about. Would highly recommend

Loved it, great adventure story

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