Life at Full Tilt: The Selected Writings of Dervla Murphy

Life at Full Tilt is a collection of Dervla Murphy's travel writings, spanning fifty years and various destinations, including Spain, Afghanistan, Peru, Africa, and Palestine. Murphy's passionate engagement with the world and her independence of mind shine through, and Ethel Crowley selects half-a-dozen extracts from each of Murphy's writings to introduce her to a complex character and role model for women and environmentalists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Eland Publishing Ltd

Life at Full Tilt is a captivating journey through the life and work of Dervla Murphy, a renowned travel writer and journalist. Spanning over fifty years, this book takes readers on a whirlwind tour of Murphy's adventures, beginning in Spain in 1956, just before the publication of her first book.

Following in her footsteps, the book explores various destinations, including her beloved Afghanistan in 1963, the Peruvian Andes, South, West, and East Africa, and more recently, the troubled territories of Palestine and Israel. Murphy's unique approach to travel, where she ventured to places that piqued her interest and embraced the chance encounters that came her way, resulted in fresh and fascinating experiences every day. These encounters were meticulously documented in her journal, providing a vivid account of her journey.

In preparation for her travels, Murphy avidly read, immersing herself in the knowledge and cultures of the places she visited. She seamlessly integrated her learning into her books, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonated with readers.

Life at Full Tilt offers a comprehensive view of Murphy's work, encompassing her journalism, her twenty-four books, and a selection of excerpts from each. Ethel Crowley, an Irish sociologist, has undertaken the task of examining Murphy's entire body of writing, presenting a nuanced and captivating portrayal of this complex character.

Through her meticulous selection and introduction, Crowley highlights Murphy's role as a role model for women and environmentalists. Despite her Irish roots, Murphy's writing transcended national boundaries, contributing to the broader English tradition of travel writing.

The book is preceded by a preface by Colin Thubron, adding an insightful layer to the reader's experience. Life at Full Tilt is a captivating journey that delves into the life and work of Dervla Murphy, offering a glimpse into her adventurous spirit, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 222 x 145 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780602110