CONTINENTAL DRIFTER

The British, who have raised putdown humor to an art form, score again with Moore's adventures on a recreated Grand Tour of Europe. Once considered de rigueur for young aristocrats, the route, described in 1608 by court jester Coryate, is covered by the author in a decrepit Rolls. Michael Wade becomes the disdainful traveler with ease, gleefully describing the budget food, randy teenagers, and ill-behaved dogs that litter his passage. When quoting Coryate's journals, he adopts a pompous tone, then segues to a contemporary scene that might involve a credible French, Italian, or Cockney accent. Mostly, however, you get Wade's own cultured tones, lingering over words and hilariously at odds with the earthy situations he describes. If British humor à la Python isn't to your liking, you might find this long and repetitive; if it is, sign on for this journey. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]