In New Europe, Michael sets out to explore the countries of Eastern Europe that were once part of the Soviet Bloc and are now, or about to become, part of the European Union.  Undertaking this new journey he fills what has been a void in his own experience and that of many of his own generation. 

      Starting high in the Julian Alps on the border between Slovenia and Italy, where the Iron Curtain once ran, he travels through the Balkans and the countries bordering the Black Sea before turning northwards through the heart of old East Europe to the Baltic States, almost as far north as St Petersburg. In all he visits 20 countries – for the most part unfamiliar and mysterious, their histories often dark and tragic but balanced by the incredible beauty of the landscape and wonderful architectural treasures. Few have survived intact as the ebb and flow of warring armies has continually changed the map of Europe but Michael discovers rich and complex cultures, meets a cast of unusual characters and takes part in the unique traditions and customs of each country. 

Michael Palin established his reputation with Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Ripping Yarns. His work also includes several famous films with Monty Python, as well as The Missionary, A Private Function, an award-winning performance in A Fish Called Wanda and, more recently, American Friends and Fierce Creatures. His television credits include two films for the BBC’s Great Railway Journeys, the plays East of Ipswich, Number 27 and Alan Bleasdale’s GBH.

      He has written books to accompany his six very successful travel series, Around the World in 80 Days, Pole to Pole, Full Circle, Hemingway Adventure, Sahara and Himalaya.  They all dominated the bestseller lists and Himalaya was the UK’s No.1 bestseller for 11 weeks.  He is also the author of a number of children’s stories, the play The Weekend and the novel Hemingway’s Chair.  In 2006 the first volume of his acclaimed diaries, 1969 – 1979: The Python Years, spent many weeks on the bestseller lists. 

* New Europe is a tie-in with a major new travel series of the same name to be shown on C7 * 

Also available: New Europe abridged audiobook, as read by Michael Palin. 6CD pack, $59.95