The Happy Traveller
Frank Tatchell
Frank Tatchell was the popular vicar of Midhurst between 1906 and 1935 and in 1923 he published his book The Happy Traveller, which he described as A’ Book for Poor Men’.
For two or three months of the year he paid a curate to take his services while he went on his travels, carrying only an umbrella and a small black bag; he bought new clothes abroad when he needed then rather than taking them with him.
By 1923 he had already been found times round the earth and his book of advice for young adventurers, The Happy Traveller, was said to have been one of the best of its kind ever written.
There are sections dealing with Europe, Russia, the West indies, North America and the South Seas. He recorded useful phrases, explained local customs and provided good advice on a range of topics. He urged his readers to “set out while you are young and keen and poor” and hoped that they would have as much fun travelling as he did.
The Happy Traveller is out of print, but copies are regularly available at Wheelers Bookshop in Midhurst.