{"product_id":"the-old-man-the-sea-a-true-story-of-crossing-the-atlantic-by-raft","title":"The Old Man \u0026 the Sea: A True Story of Crossing the Atlantic by Raft","description":"Octogenarian Anthony Smith's journey was originally inspired by both the Kontiki Expedition of Thor Heyerdahl (who he knew) and the incredible story of the survivors of a 1940 boat disaster, who spent 70 days adrift in the Atlantic, eventually reaching land emaciated and close to death. While this might sound like a voyage no one would wish to emulate, to octogenarian Anthony Smith it sounded like an adventure, and he placed a typically straightforward advertisement in the Telegraph that read \"Fancy rafting across the Atlantic? Famous traveler requires 3 crew. Must be OAP. Serious adventurers only.\" In his inimitable style, Smith details their voyage and the hardships they endured with a matter-of-fact air that makes his story seem all the more impressive. His advanced age allows him a wider perspective not only on the journey but on life itself, and his never-say-die attitude to the difficulty of the journey is inspirational. \"Old men ought to be explorers,\" said T.S. Eliot, and this book certainly gives a compelling argument in his favor. It is both a great story (a huge storm on the final night of the voyage almost wrecked them on a reef) and a call to action for the older generation—do not go quietly, says Anthony Smith, but seek out adventure as long as you are able.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 147211521X\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: BVV.147211521X.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Smith, Anthony\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact  including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Blue Vase Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43242363322429,"sku":"BVV.147211521X.G","price":19.06,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.bluevasebooks.com\/products\/the-old-man-the-sea-a-true-story-of-crossing-the-atlantic-by-raft","provider":"Blue Vase Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}