A Sense of the World

By: Jason Roberts

Narrated by: John Curless

Journalist Jason Roberts has won critical praise for A Sense of the World. His biography of "the blind traveler" has been named a Best Book of the Year by numerous publications, including the Washington Post, and has been nominated for the Guardian First Book Award. Although blinded as a young Naval lieutenant, James Holman became one of the world's most prolific and observant travelers.©2006 Jason Roberts (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC

An extraordinary life’s journey

This was a very interesting story of a man who what was seemingly impossible. A true tale of the triumph of will over circumstance. If you enjoy historical biographies, this is well worth your time.

Good research on the subject and clear writing

Authors word and cadence made for enjoyable listening. The story is improbable but likely mostly true

Truly blind adventure

It was inspirational to know that a blind man could have explored so many places at a time when blind people weren't thought of as equal citizens.I came away with a new appreciation for how blind people take in the world.It isn't their hearing that get more acute so much as their tactile sense of the world.This was a refreshing perspective from someone that had what the rest of us would call a handicap.My only reason for giving it three stars is that it was written in a biographical manner.I wanted to hear Holman's actual writing instead of a a second hand perspective that could perhaps been fabricated or distorted.

Vivid and engaging

This is a marvelous book. I work in the field of orientation and mobility, helping people with visual impairments understand and move about in the world. I find this more inspiring and insightful than the professional literature I consult. It's also a great adventure story, a keen psychological portrait of an exceptional man, and a smart sussing up of aspects of early 19th century England, particularly the popular intellectual strains of the day. The reader's voice is pleasingly, crisply British and he imparts a natural rhythm and sense to the text. My only complaint is that the bit rate for the recording is quite low, but that's almost universal among audiobooks and audible.com is making efforts to introduce higher quality sound.

A captivating story of resilience long before the term accessibility became law

Holman‘s story is extraordinary. He is truly relentless and adaptive. His thirst to travel and experience the new.
As a visually impaired person Who loves to travel, I am in all of his daring. Like him, I too I have had some of the most extraordinary experiences when I am faced in traveling or ending up in places unplanned. Embrace the beauty and the people that are out there.
Many thanks for this book.