The Adventure Handbook is an independent publisher and creative network with the goal to promote travel writing and inspirational adventure stories from across the globe.
Up until now I knew The Adventure Handbook as an online magazine with a strong focus on a single topic and a beautiful selection of articles from photographers and storytellers. With lots of content at hand and the word ‘handbook’ in the title I guess it was a logical step to publish a print magazine.
When I found out about the first issue with the title “learning as we go” I was immediately intrigued and tried to get my hands on one of just 300 copies.
Design
Simply put, the design is beautiful. Colors and typography are in close resemblance with the website but work even better in the printed version. In comparison to Wilderness the design is less experimental but more organized and structured. Generously sized photographs and text are in balance and there is lots of white space to emphasize photography and other design elements. A bright orange for headlines, chapter pages and the banderole is the only spot of color and a nice change from the otherwise unobtrusive layout that doesn’t even bother with page numbers.
My only point of criticism is that the A5 format is a little too small for my taste, especially because the text is partly difficult to read.
Content
If you already know the online magazine it’s really easy to navigate the printed issue because the categories are the same. Stories, interviews and ‘behind the lens’ fill 70 pages across five different articles. Stories and interviews are carefully selected and each of them inspirational in its own way.
While I enjoy the simplistic approach of the magazine, that renounces typical self-referential categories like an editorial, I missed some sort of information about the people behind The Adventure Handbook. Who are they and what drives them to publish a magazine about travel and adventure? Other publications tend have more personal recognition value for me. The only thing I really know is that the first edition was printed in Australia.
Wrap-up
After finishing the magazine I felt like looking back on a small trip around the world. If you are looking for a new addition to your magazine pile and can overlook the fact that the magazine is mostly a short read I recommend buying it. But be warned: Together with shipment the magazine doesn’t come cheap compared to magazines with a higher circulation.
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