The Royal Road to Romance

As a child in Paris in the early 50's it was tough finding English-language books to read. Now and then my Dad would take me to a small library at the American embassy to check out books, and it was there he urged me to read Richard Halliburton. In my mind's eye I can still see that big thick book and the photo of Halliburton in front of the Taj Mahal. Hardly anyone knows his name today, but in the 1930's Halliburton's name was well-known and his travel/adventure books were best sellers. My dad had read them in the depths of the Depression and they'd engendered in him a thirst for travel, which he fulfilled many times over with a career in the airline industry. I guess the same thing happened to me when I read "The Royal Road to Romance" around 1952 and was permanently bitten by the travel bug. I was surfing around the net tonight and ran across a story on Richard Halliburton and thought I'd check to see if any of his books were still in print. I was quite surprised to see they are and people are still reading him. Give this book to a kid with dreams, or read it yourself. Any book that sticks with you for 52 years has got to be very special.

As israeli the book The royal road to romance, was the first english written book I ever read compleetly. Once I captured the essence of its spirit I never left it again. It set the general course of my life, proving the theory that first book a child reads will have tremendous effect on his lifes future. The simple truth of this book so shaked me that I became restless eversince. In order to release myself from its magic spell, exploded from ambitions I set myself,on 1974, on a personal Around the world trip which latter entered the Guinness book of world records (Hebrew edition) as the longest (253,934 km) around the world trip. I did it mostly by hitchiking with help of 1529 different vhicles. I did it that way in order to be, like Richard, always close to new friends and cultures. As Halliburton I spent night on top of Cheops pyramide, the Devils island and far more srange outposts than him. after climbing Mt. Fuji I felt I will never attempt such altitude again. But even than I knew his sometimes weird achivements will ever overshadow mine. Constant drive to chalange his bodis limits always frightened me. Whenever I come to an exotic place I asked myself what Richard would plot in such place? He prooved what young man can reach the seventh heaven if he funnel his sex energies to more constructive way. Especially in times when boundries was more virtual than real, and suspicion among fellow beings came always after givving help and use of humor, not before. Along my way I met other guy (one from Memphis) who traveled with Halliburtons myth as compas. We share togather ideas that the impression of that book will make it easily the Bible of our life. Today as a modern Wandering Jew with only one passport that so many contries like to refuse entry I tried to establish myself and forget traveling, but I feel that the battle is lost because in the other hand I keep folowing the conclusions of this memorable book which always lie near my bed. Whatever happened I jealouse Halliburton that unlike my bad luck he found happy publishers to have his talles get printed

Ever wanted to climb the Matterhorn? Swim in the pools of the Taj Mahal? Find the forgotten palaces of Angkor? Pirates, jungles, princesses, snakes, tigers, and native cultures obscure and forgotten - this 1920s traveler has enough adventures to amaze and delight well into the next century. As a child I found Halliburton's BOOK OF MARVELS, both the Orient and the Occident, and began my own personal quest to learn more geography and history and the adventure that goes along with it. Later, as I looked for my own copies I stumbled across this volume, and have scoured the net and bookstores for copies for friends. Absolutely delighted to see it reprinted. If ever I have the opportunity to really travel, some of Halliburton's destinations will be at the top of the list.

As a young girl in the early fourties I had read my father's copy of Royal Road To Romance and wanted my grandchildren to share these wonderful adventures and travels to places we can only visit in our minds. When I couldn't find his copy I started a search of used book stores and libraries without luck. Last year a dear friend found an original edition and gave me this precious gift. I hope Royal Road To Romance is republished so I can buy copies for my children and grandchildren.

I was given this book in 1938 when I was 12. It has changed my life. Everywhere I have travelled, I have searched for adventure and romance and I have found it. During WWII in Europe, during business travel, and after retirement in trips all over the globe, retracing Halliburton's steps. Visits to the the Taj, and Petra were alive with the spirit of his words, which I carried with me on thie visits.