Journey To Shangri-La

About the Book

Journey to Shangri-La relates an intriguing, charmingly told story of an octogenarian and his dog, who set off on an imaginary mystery trail virtually around the world, probing for the meaning of life, in his search of Paradise, or Shangri-La as he calls it. The writer utilizes history and science to philosophically explain his views of humanity.

He both condemns and condones certain basic principles which govern our present environment, leaving the reader to form their own opinion on many controversial subjects. Whole books have been written on many of the subjects referred to, which the writer has condensed to a few paragraphs in a very interesting and unusual manner.

An alternative suitable title for the book could be ‘’WHY’’. Henry, his Jack Russell dog is a lovable character, ingeniously reincarnated to ask basic pointed questions that no human would dare to put.

About the Author

Arnold Ewart Ellis, the author, was born in Paddock, Huddersfield, the last day of 1920 the son of a Haulage Contractor. Early 1939, eighteen years of age he joined the Territorial Army in the Officer Training Unit.  September 1^st. 1939 he was called up for regular service. Three days later War was declared. Two years later, now a Staff Sgt. at the age of twenty he was posted to Iraq. Two years service in Iraq and Persia saw him then transhipped to India. A few months later, now a Warrant Officer he was posted to Burma on special duties in charge of sixteen men. For almost two years this little band operated in various areas of Burma. He was in the Red Sea homeward bound when Japan capitulated.

Twelve months prior to sailing for the East he had met his future wife, Doris. They became engaged on his posting abroad. They were married three weeks after his return. Arnold is convinced that it was his memory of Doris and his desire to return to her that enabled him to accomplish this. Their marriage produced two sons and a daughter. Fifty nine wonderful years elapsed prior to Doris departing this life after a long illness.

Arnold spent most of his life in the motor trade. He had never touched a computer until he was 80 and has produced all the pictures in this book. Most of the image backgrounds he photographed on his world travels. His friends and family acknowledge he always was adventurous, he still continues this life style. At 70 years old Arnold piloted a glider, at 74 he went Kart racing and at 84 piloted a plane. He still will never be found at the head of a traffic queue in his BMW.

Doris was his inspiration for this unusual book. Unusual in the way Arnold has portrayed his philosophical views of humanity, by relating an intriguing story in a charming manner, of an octogenarian and his devoted dog that set off to discover the meaning of life. Undoubtedly Arnold’s war experiences influenced the writing of this book that makes the reader seriously query how the human race ticks.