Gavin Young investigates the feasibility and cultural richness of traveling from Piraeus to Canton exclusively via maritime transport. Drawing upon his background as a seasoned foreign correspondent, Young documents a seven-month expedition across diverse seas. He utilizes a series of twenty-three disparate vessels to navigate the route, providing a detailed account of the logistical challenges and human interactions inherent in such a slow-paced maritime endeavor. The narrative serves as a historical and geographical record of the ports and cultures encountered during the late twentieth century.

Critics and readers frequently identify this work as a classic of travel literature, noting its vivid observational style and the author's endurance in the face of logistical adversity. Experts highlight the book as a foundational text for those interested in the intersection of maritime history and personal travel narrative.