Into the Distance
The Long Lost World of Long-haul Trucking
by George Bennett
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Sep 28 2023 | Archive Date Oct 31 2023
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Description
Into the Distance is a first-hand description of a world of truck driving that has long-since disappeared. Back in the 1970s and early 80s, drivers had to be independent and resourceful, in a world without mobile phones (and often even accessible landlines). Truck driving required skill and resourcefulness, was exciting, sometimes hazardous and, ultimately, very satisfying.
It begins with a breakdown in Saudi Arabia, on Bennett’s first trip to the Middle East, from which he had to extricate himself unaided. It then backtracks to recount how, having graduated from university, he worked his way up in the trucking world from local work in Britain to long-haul journeys to Italy, communist Romania and the Persian Gulf. The book explains how crossing borders often required diplomacy, and how entering France routinely involved petty bribes to customs. It describes how truck drivers saw other countries from a unique perspective, as they mixed with all sorts of working people on their own home ground.
Also discussed is the fine line between being a loner behind the wheel and being lonely, and how long-haul trucking with weeks away from home was often damaging to family relationships.
The book describes breakdowns, break-neck schedules, brushes with smugglers, and how Bennett found himself stranded by riots in Iraq following the signing of the Israel-Egyptian peace treaty in 1979. He was caught up in two French lorry driver strikes, one of which blockaded the port of Dover, and in which he played a key role as an interpreter between the drivers and British officialdom. All part of the job.
A Note From the Publisher
Marketing Plan
What it was like to drive a heavy articulated truck across Europe and the Middle East in the 1970's.
A time when it was only what you carried with you that could help you through any situation you found yourself in.
Written by someone who actually did this for a living, rather than the stories often told to journalists.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781803137155 |
| PRICE | £25.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 280 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Librarian 1081599
Such an interesting read! I can’t wait to share more thoughts on this snd my full review. I apologize I’m a but under the weather at the moment. I always was fascinated by this lifestyle and the people behind it. It is so interesting to hear their experiences and stories. My grandfather who passed away before I was born was a trucker I believe and I’ve always wanted to know more about him and his experiences
Chris W, Reviewer
There are a lot of books like this, life within a certain profession. I did enjoy this, the experiences, the issues to overcome and the countries visited. Made me smile and was certainly of interest. Certainly worth a read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Troubador for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Robin P, Reviewer
I found this book fascinating and informative. The author's trip down memory lane (pun intended) to his time as an international truck driver in the 1970s is the work of a skilled practitioner who writes with dexterity and exuberance.
This is one man's intimate memoir but at the same time it provides invaluable snapshots of travel across Europe, into the communist Eastern Bloc (where black market trading was rife) and the Middle East (where British drivers were still welcomed and respected before the political landscape soured everything).
The author's time as an academic and a journalist add a polished finish to a book overflowing with personal insights and worthy nuggets of information.
Bookseller 173414
The sign of a good nonfiction book is one that you enjoy reading even if the subject itself is not of much interest to you. This book is very readable, engaging and full of interesting information about the life of a truck driver - lorry driver in my day. The introduction clearly and concisely explained the delivery problems we are having at the moment. George Bennett was a lorry driver for many years, but he was also a journalist, so he can write well. He knows how to get information across and keep you reading on. I read this because I love travel books, and this book is a travel book with a unique hook - travelling with a lorry. But it also is a great insight into the long lost world of long distance truckers - the days before the only requirement of the job became "to keep the truck between the lines on the road".
Diane R, Reviewer
A trucker's world...
And what a world it was and is. The author started as a truck driver – lived for the road and the challenge – before moving into writing for and editing truck magazines. I loved the first-hand stories he shared about life behind the wheel not only in his native England but in Europe and the Middle East.
He travelled a lot, met a lot of interesting people and tackled situations that for me would be totally out of my depth. His love for the lifestyle was clear even as he moved away from it and watched the changes over time. The early days of his career seemed carefree no matter the direst of situations that he seemed to thrive on. His second career as a writer meant his memories were shared clearly with great detail but also with openness, honesty and a satisfying way with words.
If you’re like me and know nothing much about cars and even less about trucks, don’t let that stop you from picking up this book. Whether you are a truck enthusiast, a real (or armchair) traveler, or simply curious about the world, this book is an enthralling feast for any reader. It makes me want to hit the open road. Without a schedule, GPS or a micro-manager of course! Oh and with the very capable author/driver as wingman.
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