100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ

Enjoy overnight NZ-wide delivery from our NZ-owned independent bookstore! ๐ŸŽ‰

The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow

The Bestselling Travel Memoir - Sailing from North Wales to the Black Sea in a Mirror Dinghy
4.29 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 997 ratings, 121 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow by A.J. Mackinnon is a delightful travelogue documenting one man's whimsical journey from the Welsh border to the Black Sea in a small dinghy. As the author navigates various rivers and canals, he encounters a colourful cast of characters and experiences a series of unexpected adventures. It's a charming tale of exploration, showcasing the joy of slow travel and the unexpected wonders that come with it.
Read More
Format: Hardback
$4500
Elsewhere:
$5000
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are captivated by tales of intrepid journeys and the spirit of adventure. It captures the whimsy and spontaneity of A.J. Mackinnon's voyage across European waterways, often filled with humour, charm, and unexpected encounters. If stories of quirky travel experiences with a touch of the extraordinary appeal to you, this adventure may offer delight and inspiration.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Beautiful hardback edition of this beloved bestseller, with a charming new afterword and illustrations.

A couple of quiet weeks sailing the River Severn was the intention. Somehow things got out of hand - a year later I had reached Romania and was still going ...

Truly hilarious books are rare. Even rarer are those based on real events. Join A.J. Mackinnon, your charming and eccentric guide, on an amazing voyage in a boat called Jack de Crow.

Equipped with his cheerful optimism and a pith helmet, this Australian Odysseus in a dinghy travels from the borders of North Wales to the Black Sea - 4900 kilometres over salt and fresh water, under sail, at the oars, or at the end of a tow-rope - through twelve countries, 282 locks and numerous trials and adventures, including an encounter with Balkan pirates. Along the way he experiences the kindness of strangers, gets very lost, and perfects the art of slow travel.

Not just an adventurer, but an artist, philosopher and keen observer of the world around him - The Canberra Times

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

For The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow by A.J. Mackinnon, critics often highlight the book's humorous storytelling and engaging narrative style. Readers appreciate Mackinnon's entertaining depiction of his adventurous journey in a small boat, filled with charming anecdotes and vivid descriptions. The book is frequently praised for its wit and the author's ability to intertwine humour with the spontaneity and challenges of travel.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760643171

Publisher: Black Inc.

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 31 May 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Black Inc.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 40.0mm

Width: 164.0mm

Height: 241.0mm

Weight: 753g

Pages: 368

About the Author

A.J. (Sandy) Mackinnon was born in Australia in 1963 and spent his childhood between England and Australia, travelling with his family on the last P&O liners to sail between the two countries. He is currently a teacher of English, drama, mathematics and philosophy in the Victorian High Country. He is the author of The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow and The Well at the World's End.

Also by A.J. Mackinnon

View all
  • Quaint Deeds
    From the bestselling author of The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow, a hilarious and heart-warming memoir of teaching, treasure hunts, and finding your own way in life. A.J. 'Sandy' Mackinnon is best known to readers as a much-loved travel writer. But between eccentric voyages, he has for almost forty years taught at schools in Australia and the UK. In...
    Paperback
    $4100
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Realms of Gold
    The charming sequel to the bestselling The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow When A.J. 'Sandy' Mackinnon sailed a tiny dinghy through twelve countries from North Wales to the Black Sea, he survived pirates, the English Channel, international incidents and all the disasters, big and small, that can befall a little boat on a long voyage. Those adventures became his...
    Paperback
    $4500
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow
    An epic journey, undertaken with courage, and recounted with flair and humour. Truly hilarious books are rare. Even rarer are those based on real events. Join A.J. Mackinnon, your charming and eccentric guide, on an amazing voyage in a boat called Jack de Crow. Equipped with his cheerful optimism and a pith helmet, this Australian Odysseus in a dinghy travels...
    Paperback
    $3800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Well at the World's End
    When A.J. Mackinnon quits his job in Australia, he knows only that he longs to travel to The Well at the World's End, a mysterious pool on a remote Scottish island whose waters, legend has it, hold the secret to eternal youth. Determined not to fly ('It would feel like cheating'), he sets out with a rucksack, some fireworks and...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow
    A couple of quiet weeks sailing the River Severn was the intention. Somehow things got out of hand - a year later I had reached Romania and was still going... Truly hilarious books are rare. Even rarer are those based on real events. Join A.J. Mackinnon, your charming and eccentric guide, on an amazing voyage in a boat called Jack...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Travel & Adventure

View all
  • The Salt Path
    The bestselling true story of the couple who lost everything and embarked on a journey not of escape but salvation, soon to be a major motion picture starring Golden Globe winning Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Maintenance: Of Everything
    The first in-depth exploration of maintenance and a powerful argument for its civilisational importance from the author of How Buildings Learn and creator of the Whole Earth Catalog. Maintenance is what keeps everything going. It's what keeps life going. Yet it's also easy to shirk or defer until the thing breaks, the system falters, and everything stops. The apparent paradox...
    Hardback
    $8800
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • The Cat's Tales
    Once upon a time, the enchanting creature that is the cat infiltrated our lives โ€“ and our folklore. Cats have a long association with the supernatural โ€“ from being worshipped as gods in ancient Egypt to vilified as witchesโ€™ familiars in Europe โ€“ and they appear in countless fairy tales throughout history. Every part of the world has its own...
    Hardback
    $3099
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Penguin Lessons
    Now a major film, this is the true story of an unlikely friendship between a flightless bird and a teacher out of his depth. When schoolteacher Tom Michell pulls a penguin from an oil slick off the coast of Uruguay, he has no idea what to do. Back at his apartment, Tom cleans him, but upon returning to the beach,...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Rambling Man
    THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING HILARIOUS NEW BOOK FROM THE NATION'S FAVOURITE COMEDIAN, BILLY CONNOLLY "Being a Rambling Man was what I always wanted to be, to live the way I damn well pleased. I've met the weirdest and most wonderful people who walk the Earth, seen the most bizarre and the most fantastic sights - and I've rarely come across...
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Free Gift
    Lonely Planet Pocket Lisbon
    Lonely Planet's Pocket Lisbon is your guide to the city's best experiences and local life - neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Experience the city's most scenic tram routes, find the best pastรฉis de nata and discover the winding backstreets of Alfama; all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Lisbon and make the most of your trip! Inside Lonely Planet's...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Cozy Bookshops: Colouring Book
    Cozy Bookshopsโ€”your ultimate escape into a world of bookish bliss and mindful relaxation in 46 adorable scenes, from the coziest book nooks. Wander labyrinthine bookshelves, sink into soft armchairs by roaring fireplaces, and lose yourself in snug, atmospheric corners. Escape, relax, and unwind with this colouring book for all skill levels and bring your own personality. The possibilities are endless!...
    Paperback
    $2000
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Free Gift
    Lonely Planet Pocket Porto
    Lonely Planet's Pocket Porto is your guide to the city's best experiences and local life, neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Experience the historic Se cathedral, marvel at the stunning Palacio da Bolsa, and visit peacocks in Jardim do Palacio de Cristal, all with your trusted travel companion. Uncover the best of Porto and make the most of your trip! Inside Lonely Planet's...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Auto Biography
    From one of the world's most popular motor journalists, a highly entertaining, clued-up and panoramic guide to cars. A highly entertaining, clued-up and panoramic guide to cars by Mat Watson, the world's most followed car journalist on social media. Mat Watson knows everything there is to know about cars. In his 25-year career as a motor journalist, he has driven...
    Hardback
    $4600
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Brilliant Maps
    With a foreword by Tim Harford Which nations have North Korean embassies? Which region has the highest number of death metal bands per capita? How many countries have bigger economies than California? Who drives on the 'wrong' side of the road? And where can you find lions in the wild? Revelatory, thought-provoking and fun, Brilliant Maps is a unique atlas...
    Paperback
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Free Gift
    Lonely Planet Norway
    Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Norway. Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from watching walruses lolling and hunting in Borebukta to hiking in the remote causeway of Ekkerรธy in Finnmark, and road tripping along the Lofoten Islands to admire villages replete with traditional fishing...
    Paperback
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • London: The Hidden Corners For Curious Wanderers
    From the alleyways of Soho to the medieval remains of Moorgate, the new book by Sunday Times bestselling author Jack Chesher takes you on a journey through London and its history, showing you its hidden corners. Explore the fascinating history of the city with the creator of the ever-popular @LivingLondonHistory. Have you ever wondered where a notorious Victorian murderer was...
    Hardback
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.