Samuel Smiles 
A Boy’s Voyage Round the World 

Samuel Smiles’ ‘A Boy’s Voyage Round the World’ is a captivating travel diary that follows the adventures of a young boy as he travels across different continents, experiencing new cultures and encountering various challenges. The book is written in a straightforward and engaging style, making it accessible to readers of all ages. Smiles’ vivid descriptions and detailed observations provide a rich insight into the global landscape of the 19th century. As a pioneer in the self-help genre, Smiles’ work encourages personal growth and resilience through the boy’s journey of self-discovery and maturity. The book also delves into themes of perseverance, courage, and the importance of seizing opportunities. ‘A Boy’s Voyage Round the World’ is not just a travelogue, but a timeless literary piece that continues to inspire readers to explore the world and embrace life’s adventures.

About the author

Samuel Smiles (1812-1904) was a Scottish author and reformer, renowned for his promotion of self-help and individual responsibility, a theme that crystallized in his most famous work, ‘Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct’ (1859). A versatile writer and avid proponent of Victorian values, Smiles wrote extensively on themes of industriousness, frugality, and perseverance. Starting his career as a doctor, he moved quickly into journalism and politics, advocating for political reform and the temperance movement, as well as aiding in the promotion of popular education. Smiles was a prolific author; among his lesser-known yet insightful works is ‘A Boy’s Voyage Round the World’ which offers a narrative of a young man’s global travels, epitomizing the Victorian spirit of adventure and learning. His literary style can often be characterized by its narrative accessibility, moral underpinnings, and didactic intent, aimed at inspiring readers to be proactive in their personal development and citizenship. While critics have sometimes dismissed his writings as overly simplistic or moralistic, Smiles’s impact on self-improvement literature is undeniable, and his works continue to be referenced in discussions on personal and societal ethics in the modern era.