Book Review: Tales This Side of the Elysian Fields

By Trevor W. Harrison

Published by Shadowpaw Press
Review by Toby A. Welch

Trevor W. Harrison’s Tales This Side of the Elysian Fields is a captivating collection of travel stories drawn from his journeys across the globe in the 1970s and 1980s. From Canada to Greece, India, Spain and the Himalayas, Harrison recounts his adventures with warmth and reflection, bringing to life the people and places that shaped his travels.

A highlight is his time in Barcelona during the final years of Francisco Franco’s regime, contrasted with a return visit nearly 50 years later. The title, inspired by a high school teacher’s comment that Harrison “wandered the Elysian fields,” reflects his lifelong urge to explore.

The book also serves as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler era of travel — when airports were relaxed, conversations flowed freely and adventure felt boundless. Harrison’s vivid storytelling and emotional honesty make this an engaging read for travel and history enthusiasts alike.

Available at your local bookstore or from www.skbooks.com.