Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Hanoi, Delhi, Cairo: the author spent two months in each to explore, in search of man-made beauty still resisting the march of time: winding alleys, cobbled squares, shingled roofs and grand palazzi, which have somehow escaped globalisation and slipped through the tourist net. “I was captivated by this book. It is concise, witty, unusual, honest and excellently contrived. It certainly deserves to succeed.” — Alexander Waugh, author of The House of Wittgenstein “I couldn’t put it down. One of the best travel books I’ve ever read.” — Rupert Everett, actor; author of Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins and Vanished Years "John Seilern has orchestrated a valse noble et sentimentale in this vividly personal, and deeply sentient account of random journeys to several far-flung, diverse cities… their environs, their history, customs, and colour. Take it when going to any one of them, and keep it close at hand.” — Nicky Haslam, author of Redeeming Features and Folly de Grandeur.

“A trip like none other. One would like to join him.” — Esther Vilar, author of The Manipulated Man “A highly readable account of the travels of a latter-day ‘homme du monde’.” — Philip Hook, author of Breakfast at Sotheby's.

“Trieste native and cosmopolitan writer John Seilern brings an eye for absurdity and a respect for ritual to this compelling tour in search of beauty past and present. Blessed with a vast network of relations dotted across the globe, he forms new friendships wherever he goes. A delight to read.” — Flora Fraser, author of Beloved Emma and The Unruly Queen