Gifts of fortune, and hints for those about to travel

by H. M. (Henry Major) Tomlinson

"Gifts of Fortune, and Hints for Those About to Travel" by H. M. Tomlinson is a reflective travel memoir written in the early 20th century. The book blends personal essays and travel anecdotes, offering philosophical musings on the nature of travel, the meaning of adventure, and the often illusory “gifts” that fortune bestows upon the restless voyager. Rather than detailing a single journey or focusing solely on exotic destinations, Tomlinson examines the motivations, expectations, and realities of travel, often challenging popular notions and emphasizing the quiet, incidental rewards of wandering. This work will appeal to readers who enjoy thoughtful commentary on exploration, literature, and the introspective side of human curiosity. The opening of "Gifts of Fortune" finds Tomlinson reflecting, with gentle irony, on popular travel literature and the reasons people choose to journey far from home. Through references to other travel writers, conversations with seasoned voyagers, and personal anecdotes—such as his own accidental assignment to Africa—he questions the true nature of “wanderlust” and the value of travel’s experiences. He mocks the romanticized tales of peril and discovery, stressing that the genuine rewards of travel are often modest: fleeting moments of beauty, unexpected encounters, subtle changes in perspective, or simply a new appreciation for the ordinary. Rather than glorifying adventure, Tomlinson’s early chapters set a tone of humility and skepticism, encouraging the reader to recognize both the limits and quiet marvels of a travelling life.