Comments on: An Interview with Jacquetta Megarry of Rucksack Readers.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:44:06 +0000

If the review makes me want to grab my knapsack and go for a hike, I can only imagine how much more the books would. These sound wonderfully practical and hats off to making them waterproof. I wish birding guides would do that! It was interesting learning how they go about putting a guidebook together and I hope the publishing house continues to do well. Ms. Megarry has an inspiring attitude and I wish her much luck with the Big Climb in June.

By: Call of the Wild edited by Roly Smith « Vulpes Libris

Call of the Wild edited by Roly Smith « Vulpes Libris — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:30:59 +0000

[...] Click here to read our interview with Jacquetta Megarry - founder and onlie begetter of Rucksack Readers - about her chosen field of specialist publishing. [...]

By: Mhairi

Mhairi — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:14:00 +0000

I like to keep it simple, too. My idea of a perfect holiday is miles from anywhere, self-sufficient with no need to go anywhere near a town or village for a couple of weeks.

The freedom to do nothing with an absolutely clear conscience is a real luxury.

I live in the Lake District, and sometimes manage to take myself off for a walk for the day … when I have the time (which isn’t often at the moment). I’m sure my family thinks I’m yomping vigorously over the fells, but in fact, I’m more likely to spend a lot of time just sitting and looking and waiting to see what passes by …

I actually get quite irritated if it’s another human being …

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:50:44 +0000

“What I’d like to hear is whether other VL readers have warmed to the life-changing experience of living more simply for a week”

Yes, I’m in. I’m booked for a walking holiday and cannot wait. Not quite Kilimanjaro, but who knows, maybe one day.

Great interview. Thanks to both Mhairi and Jacquetta. Call of the Wild is on my shopping list.

By: HenryF

HenryF — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:02:10 +0000

Very interesting interview indeed. Thank you both very much. It was fascinating to hear about the mechanics behind guidebooks. I’ve always wondered how you went about it and whether anyone checked details. My distance walking days are over, but I agree about it giving you a different perspective on life. Definitely agreeing about not dressing for dinner!

By: JJ

JJ — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:36:52 +0000

I haven’t done it for a while, but yes I understand what you’re talking about. It’s very liberating having that degree of freedom, to do what you want, go where you want and when you want to go there.

Not having to dress for dinner’s always a plus for me …

By: Jacquetta

Jacquetta — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:45:06 +0000

Forget Kili, I only mentioned it because being unexpectedly comfortable at its summit was the experience that led me to put my money where my mouth was, and publishing long-run all-colour books means taking a lot of risk upfront!

What I’d like to hear is whether other VL readers have warmed to the life-changing experience of living more simply for a week, with minimal possessions carried on your back, slowing down the pace of life and tuning in to nature.

For me, that’s the experience of long-distance walking, whether at sea-level or at altitude, and it refreshes my spirit and helps me to review my priorities.

By: rosyb

rosyb — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:07:53 +0000

This is boggling. Not only publishing books but having to climb the things first!

Good luck with your trip. And the idea of waterproof guides with maps etc sounds very good notion indeed (although I don’t think you’ll see me up Kilimanjaro anytime soon.) The Scotland guides sound lovely.

By: jj

jj — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:00:27 +0000

That was a fascinating read … and an interesting change of pace and direction for the site.

It takes me all my time to get up Pendle … can’t imagine tackling Kilimanjaro, by any route. Good luck to the lady.

BTW - I’ve read No Picnic on Mount Kenya, and it IS a great book.