THE CLASSICS IN TRAVEL LITERATURE

Travel writing has an important place in the history of literature, with examples of travelogues appearing in China in during the Song dynasty, in ancient Greece, and quite frequently in medieval Arabic writings.  During the 18th century, maritime diaries were popular reading, with Captain Cook’s letters being the equivalent of a New York Times best-seller.  The books listed below are not meant to be a comprehensive historical review, but instead a selection of recommendations on travel books that best represent the genre and the most interesting to read.  These books not only provide a glimpse into the world beyond one's familiar surroundings but also inspire readers to explore new places and cultures. It is said that a good travel book can be just as transformative to one's worldview as the journey itself.  Here are our recommendations on the classics in travel literature.

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE CLASSICS IN TRAVEL LITERATURE

Travels with Charley, by John Steinbeck

In 1960, one of America’s most celebrated authors took a long road trip across the United States, accompanied by his now infamous French poodle Charley.  This was John Steinbeck's chance to get back in touch with America, to explore the country's true breadth of landscapes and cultures, and to rediscover some of himself along the way.  It is an entertaining read, a great insight into the mind of a great American writer, and an interesting view into American life at that time.  Steinbeck's travel memoir is one of our top recommendations. 

The Valleys of the Assassins, by Freya Stark

One of the first books that comes to mind when listing the classics in travel literature is Freya Stark’s The Valleys of the Assassins, the journals of a single woman who very bravely explored remote and sometimes dangerous areas in the mountainous region nestled between Iraq and Iran.  Highly readable, even today.

On The Road, by Jack Kerouac

On the Road is Jack Kerouac’s Beat Generation novel chronicling several wild road trips across the United States and a new view on life emerging in the 1950’s.  The style is very spontaneous, the material polarizing, but the book is definitely a classic in travel literature.

Seven Years in Tibet, by Heinrich Harrer

Perhaps better known as a movie starring Brad Pitt, Seven Years in Tibet was first an excellent story of Austrian Heinrich Harrer’s experience living in Tibet.  He escaped from British authorities during World War II to hide in Tibet, finding himself in a place very few Europeans had seen, and ultimately befriending the Dalai Lama.

The Innocents Abroad, by Mark Twain

The Innocents Abroad is Mark Twain’s best-selling original narrative of his 1867 cruise with a group of fellow travelers to Europe and the Holy Land.  This is travel writing at its finest, and the book is still quite readable today. This actually was Mark Twain's best-selling book during his lifetime. Anyone who loves travel literature should consider reading this timeless book.

In Patagonia, by Bruce Chatwin

In Patagonia, Bruce Chatwin’s collection of writings from six months of travels through South America, is considered one of the quintessential classics of travel literature.  His lust for adventure and capacity for storytelling is wonderful, and the book is one of our top recommendations for those who love to travel.

The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen

The Snow Leopard is the story of Peter Matthiessen’s and zoologist George Schaller’s 1973 pilgrimage into the Himalayas.  Their stated goal was to study blue sheep but for Matthiessen it was more of a spiritual journey, symbolized by the hope of seeing a rare snow leopard.

Journey Without Maps, by Graham Greene

English novelist Graham Green left Europe in 1935 at the age of 30 to explore an exceptionally remote part of Africa, a place literally without maps.  His description of the trip provides a unique record of a poverty-stricken culture untouched by Western civilization.

The Great Railway Bazaar, by Paul Theroux

The Great Railway Bazaar is the best-known book from one of the best travel writers ever, Paul Theroux.  The funny travelogue details his four-month epic train trip around much of the world, with a delicious emphasis on local people and culture over touristy sights and experiences.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is Hunter S. Thompson’s stream-of-consciousness narrative of a drug-fueled trips to Vegas, an extravagant and likely inflated blend of truth and fiction and a blunt contemplation of the impact and end of the 1960s counter-cultural movement.

A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods is in our opinion now one of the true classics in travel literature.  The wonderful and hilarious book recaps his admirably ambitious and arguably foolhardy attempt to hike the longest trail in the United States.

Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes, by Robert Louis Stevenson

In 1879, the young Robert Louis Stevenson embarked on a 120-mile hike through the Cevennes region of France with a sole companion, a grumpy donkey, and documented his travels with Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes.  While he is better known for Treasure Island, Stevenson’s travelogue is an interesting read.

A Year in Provence, by Peter Mayle

A Year in Provence is the story of Peter Mayle’s adventure moving with his wife to the French countryside to restore a 200-year-old farmhouse and to enjoy a more relaxed way of life.  It was an equally frustrating and rewarding experience, and now a classic in travel writing.

Travels with Herodotus, by Ryzard Kapuscinski

Travels with Herodotus is a great autobiography by the Polish foreign correspondent Ryzard Kapuscinski, inspired by the Greek historian Herodotus.  We found the book especially interesting for his insights on the clash of Islam and Christianity.

Kon-Tiki, by Thor Heyerdahl

Kon-Tiki is the epic account of a 4,300 mile rafting expedition made in 1947 across the Pacific Ocean from South America to the Tuamoto Islands in Polynesia.  It was an amazing journey that no one thought was possible, and the book even today is a worthwhile read.

Arabian Sands, by Wilfred Thesiger

Arabian Sands is an interesting travelogue describing Wilfred Thesiger’s extraordinary journey through the deserts of Arabia.  His diaries provide a nice look into the region and into the lives of the Bedu people, just after the Second World War.

The Odyssey, by Homer

The Odyssey is an ancient Greek poem attributed to the philosopher Homer, describing the Greek hero Odysseus’ adventurous quest to return home.  The epic poem is the sequel to the Iliad, and the two make one of the earliest and most fundamental works in Western literature.

West with the Night, by Beryl Markham

West with the Night is the autobiography of Beryl Markham describing her childhood growing up in Kenya and her remarkable life as an aviator and the first person to fly from England to New York non-stop.

The Travels of Marco Polo, by Marco Polo

One of the earliest known travel books is a 13th century travelogue from one of the world’s most famous explorer, the legendary Venetian trader Marco Polo.  There are debates on the exact degree of authenticity, but most historical details have been verified.  This is a great collector’s item for travel writing fans.

As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning, by Laurie Lee

One of the earliest known travel books is a 13th century travelogue from one of the world’s most famous explorer, the legendary Venetian trader Marco Polo.  There are debates on the exact authenticity, but most historical details have been verified.  This is a great collector’s item for travel writing fans.

The Road to Oxiana, by Robert Byrson

The Road to Oxiana is a highly regarded 1937 travelogue by the eccentric Robert Byron on a ten-month journey exploring the Middle East.  The challenges of the journey fueled a delightful and intoxicating view into this very different world.  The book is often considered one of the early modern examples of great travel writing.

THE CLASSICS IN TRAVEL FICTION

Gulliver's Travels (fiction)

A website dedicated to the best of travel writing needs of course to include Gulliver’s Travels, a fictional novel originally published in 1726 on the crazy adventures of Lemont Gulliver, an English surgeon caught in a shipwreck.  Gulliver’s silly and outrageous experiences with giants and ruling hoses is interesting, but the beauty of the book likes in the thinly veiled satire of human nature.

The Sun Also Rises (fiction)

One of Hemingway’s true masterpieces is The Sun Also Rises, a novel about a group of “Lost Generation” American expats who travel to the famous festival of San Fermin in Pamplona.   The story follows the friends as they deal with doomed romance and post-World War 1 disillusionment, amidst the spectacle of bull fighting and heavy drinking.  The Sun Also Rises is truly a classic in American literature.

Huckleberry Finn (fiction)

One of the defining American novels recommended both for kids (age 11+) and adults alike is Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the story of two runaways, a young boy and an escaped slave, traveling on a raft along the Mississippi River to find freedom.  With strong themes around intolerance and brilliant writing, the book that was published in 1884 remains very popular today.