UK vs US: Travel Writing

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Clarissa

July 26, 2015

In the UK, there seems to be a great interest in travel writing. There are tables showcasing travel literature (and not only from today but also dating back to the 1950s, 1960s, etc) in every book store. And these are fascinating books by talented authors. Not the Susan Gilbert type of pablum but good, solid writing. I never considered myself a fan of this genre but I couldn’t help getting glued to these displays in Oxford and London.

In the US we don’t seem to have much interest in travel writing. Aside from the nauseating Eat, Pray, Love, which wasn’t really about traveling, nobody seems to know any books belonging to the genre. And there are definitely no special displays in bookstores.

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3 responses to “UK vs US: Travel Writing”

Crystallizing Chaos

July 26, 2015

I agree. The best travel writing about India that I’ve read has been by Britishers. Check out William Dalrymple’s ‘Nine Lives’.

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The Dark Avenger

July 26, 2015

An island nation with relatively little climate variation except for that dictated by topography, and with a cold, inclement winter climate, would be more interested in travelling outside the country.

While here in America, we have a variety of climates, coasts, and weather conditions, someone doesn’t have to travel outside the borders to experience variety.

Have you ever read Blue Highways, by William Least Heat Moon? It’s one of the best books in American travel literature, IMHO,

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1. Clarissa
  
  July 26, 2015
  
  This is a very interesting explanation that hadn’t occurred to me.
  
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