Began well with the story of setting up the company - then became rambling - needed a good editor to get more coherence. Maureen’s voice was too intermittent - her views were different to his and I would have liked to know more - for example the travelling with kids book she wrote.
Written in 2005 tony accurately predicts that we will use devices to connect to maps, travel guides and to make airline bookings! ( )

A very, very average book. The better half is the last half where at least Tony can indulge in a story or two, although even those are for the most part quite dull. Otherwise, there seems to be an excessive amount of ego-tripping, name-dropping, and self indulgence going on. At the conclusion of the book (quite an easy read and not one to tax the mind in any way which is reflective of his guidebooks) I'm not sure that I was enlightened about any one single thing. That is pretty much my view of his guidebooks which is why I rarely purchase them. As to this book...a very lightweight read, that can easily be done on a train, plane, bus, etc. Finally, Tony is a poor storyteller which I found surprising for an author of guidebooks. But, then, his guidebooks are heavy on logistics and light on background. ( )

A unique mix of autobiography, business history and travel book.

This book gives an interesting overview of the beginnings and evolution of Lonely Planet until 2005. It is not a difficult read, but in quite a few places I found it not very cohesive either, jumping abruptly from one subject to another. Many (personal) comments from Tony and Maureen Wheeler are scattered throughout the main text―several without any link to it. I would give many Lonely Planet guidebooks a higher rating than this story. ( )

In retrospect Wheeler makes it sound like the Lonely Planet endeavor, although it came to fruition only slowly and with a lot of hard work, was an inevitable eventual success. In reality there must have been many low points when the couple was ready to toss it in. What extraordinary and enviable lives this couple seems to have had. They caught the wave of low-budget tourism at just the right time. This book is chock full of anecdotes that will start any would-be adventurer itching to hit the road to start satisfying his wander-lust. How gratifying it is that they were able to turn their passion into a multi-million dollar enterprise! ( )