New book offers the late Anthony Bourdain’s ‘atlas to the world’ — and his signature travel truth-telling

In the age of Google, when any and all details about a place are readily available at a click, the notion of a travel guidebook seems quaint. But while information is abundant, a point of view is inimitable, and the late Anthony Bourdain had a singular one.

“He started making travel television in a time when people were starting to have a broader interest beyond luxury resorts and fine dining,” says Laurie Woolever, writer, editor and Bourdain’s long-time lieutenant (they worked together for nearly a decade). “He was at the vanguard of this recognition that there’s a lot more to life than just those high-end places. Some will say that was a change he ushered in. I don’t think he would want to take full credit — but his irreverence and willingness to ask questions and push boundaries really resonated with people.”

Bourdain’s perspectives are captured in the new “World Travel: An Irreverent Guide,” which he co-authored with Woolever — in a way. They’d brainstormed the contours of the project; after his passing, she followed through.

Conceptualized as an “atlas of the world” as seen through Bourdain’s eyes, the book stitches together observations he’d written or said about places around the globe. Also peppered in are new, heartfelt essays by those in his sphere, including TV producer Nari Kye, who recounts how filming the South Korea episode of “No Reservations,” and connecting with her culture, changed her life.

The book details some practicalities you’ll likely gloss over (airport advice is beside the point). And while you’ll find a shortlist of spots for, say, your next trip to Vietnam, you don’t need to use this as a travel guide in the most literal sense. Instead, let it be your guide to travelling differently, a mindset shift.

“Bourdain was not irreverent in the sense that he didn’t take people seriously. But he was irreverent in that he was willing to question established wisdom,” says Woolever. She cites the Paris chapter, where Bourdain endorses the vaguest of plans — walking a bit, getting lost, drinking some wine — over any must-do tourist sights. “Most of us are lucky to see Paris once in a lifetime. Make the most of it by doing as little as possible,” he advised. The direction, in short: always go your own way.

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind. When you make a purchase through the link in this article, we may earn a small commission. Our journalism is independent and not influenced by advertising. Learn more