Description

Our society worships at the fountain of youth. Each year, we try to delay the arrival of old age, using everything at our disposal, from extreme exercise and botox to pilates and cosmetic dentistry. But in the process, are we missing out on a distinct and extraordinarily valuable stage of life?

Asking whether it is better to be forever young or to grin toothlessly and live an authentic old age, bestselling author Daniel Klein journeys to the Greek island of Hydra. There he draws on the lives of octogenarian Greek locals, as well as philosophers ranging from Epicurus to Sartre, to discover the secrets of ageing happily. An escapist travel memoir, a droll meditation, and an optimistic guide to living well, this is a delightful jaunt through the terrain of old age, led by a witty and uniquely perceptive modern-day sage.

Publisher Review

It’s an affectionate portrait of the island [of Hydra] but is really a primer on making the most of life’ * Daily Telegraph, best books of 2014 * ‘I was bowled over by its easy charm and hard-won wisdom.’ * Daily Mail * ‘Charming and intelligent. I enjoyed this book very much.’ — Diana Athill ‘Wry, whimsical, amusing and intelligent.’ * Daily Telegraph * ‘Charming and accessible, this philosophical survey simply and accessibly makes academic philosophy relevant to ordinary human emotion.’ * Kirkus Reviews * ‘An insightful meditation.’ * The New York Times * ‘Both seduces and delights.’ * Scotsman * ‘Klein’s narrative is a delightful and spirited conversation, offering up the ingredients inherent to the art of living well in old age.’ * Publishers Weekly * ‘Funny and wry.’ * Huffington Post *