Report from Practically Nowhere

Report from Practically Nowhere takes readers on a journey through thirteen of the world's smallest and least-known sovereign territories in the late 1950s. American journalist John Sack visits microstates, principalities, and autonomous regions from Europe to Asia, documenting his experiences with wit and curiosity. The book presents each location as its own contained narrative, exploring the unique customs, laws, and daily life of places like Lundy, Monaco, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Shel Silverstein's illustrations complement Sack's observations, adding visual dimension to these accounts of tiny nations and territories. This travelogue operates in the space between serious journalism and entertainment, capturing both the factual peculiarities and inherent humor of these small sovereign entities. Through these thirteen profiles, the book examines questions of power, independence, and what exactly constitutes a nation-state in the modern world.

Readers describe this 1959 travelogue as an entertaining look at some of the world's smallest and least-known countries of that era. Many reviews note that while dated, Sack's humorous observations and self-deprecating style keep the narratives engaging. Readers appreciated: - First-hand accounts of rarely visited microstates - Casual, conversational writing tone - Historical snapshots of places that have changed significantly - Cultural observations and local character profiles Common criticisms: - Some cultural attitudes reflect 1950s American perspective - Certain political commentary feels outdated - A few readers found the humor forced Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (39 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) "Charming time capsule of forgotten corners of the world" - Goodreads reviewer "Like sitting with a witty friend telling travel stories" - Amazon review "Worth reading for the historical perspective alone" - LibraryThing user

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In Trouble Again by Redmond O'Hanlon A naturalist's journey through Venezuela's remote Orinoco basin captures encounters with indigenous tribes and documents life in one of Earth's last unexplored regions.

The Last Places on Earth by Michael Ondaatje A traveler's account presents findings from visits to the world's most isolated locations, from Greenland's settlements to Mongolia's steppes.

🌍 The book includes illustrations by Shel Silverstein, who would later become famous for children's classics like "The Giving Tree" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends" 🗺️ Several territories covered in the book, like Sikkim, have since lost their sovereignty - Sikkim became India's 22nd state in 1975 👑 The Island of Sark, featured in the book, remained Europe's last feudal state until 2008, when it finally transitioned to democracy ✒️ Author John Sack went on to become a prominent war correspondent, covering conflicts from Korea to Iraq over a 50-year journalism career 🏰 The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, one of the featured territories, is a sovereign entity that has no actual territory but maintains diplomatic relations with 110 countries