Pilgrimage: Journeys of Meaning

by Peter Stanford

Pilgrimage, a global ritual embraced by nearly all faiths, is one of civilization’s most enduring traditions. In this compelling book, author and journalist Peter Stanford reflects on the reasons people have walked along the same sacred paths through the ages. Through this history, Stanford explores how the experiences of the first pilgrims to Jerusalem, Mecca, and Santiago de Compostela compare to the millions of people who embark on life-changing physical and spiritual journeys today.


Pilgrimage traverses sacred landscapes around the world, from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City to the monolithic rock-cut churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia and the riverbanks of the Kumbh Mela in India. Stanford explores the historical and spiritual significance of these places of healing and reflection and discusses their roles as crossroads., Although pilgrimage is usually viewed as an individual’s escape from the everyday to refocus the mind and soul, institutional and national struggles for power have always had an impact on the way pilgrims experience their own personal journey.


Guiding readers through the global history of pilgrimage, this thought- provoking book educates a new generation that may seek solace, clarity, and wonder by following in the footsteps of travelers from the past.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction, Travel

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2021

Reviews

[Anand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative read, but could have Ben brought to life a little better with personal observations from the author. It reads like a series of Wikipedia entries instead of a point of view and personality.

[Caleb Liu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it says on the box with a few short chapters covering the history of now famous pilgrimages starting with the now ubiquitous Camino but covering lesser known ones - North Wales Pilgram’s Way, the Mormon Trail? Each pilgrimage has a short chapter sprinkled with interesting facts.

It’s solid but functional; oddly soulless given the topic.

[Melanie Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting book looking at pilgrimage both in the past and present throughout the world; how we define pilgrimage and the upsurge in a new way of looking at pilgrimage beyond religion and faith.
The author's definition of the 4 essentials of pilgrimage for today certainly resonated - exercise, exploration, environment and escape.
Reading the book has helped me redefine how I see pilgrimage, think more about what constitutes a pilgrimage and how I can incorporate opportunities for pilgrimage into my life.
Score - 4 1/2

[Masta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stanford examines twelve major pilgrimage routes-from the Camino de Santiago and Jerusalem to Mecca, Lalibela, the Kumbh Mela, and Machu Picchu-providing not only detailed historical context but also reflecting on how these paths continue to attract diverse travellers, many of whom do not identify with a particular religion. He approaches pilgrimage as a practice that transcends doctrinal boundaries, emphasising that the act of journeying itself, rather than the destination or prescribed rituals, often holds the deepest meaning for participants.

A notable strength of Stanford’s analysis is his openness to the varied reasons people undertake pilgrimages, whether for spiritual searching, healing, companionship, or even secular forms of meaning-making. He resists reducing pilgrimage to a single religious or historical narrative, instead highlighting its adaptability and enduring relevance in a world where traditional faith structures may be waning but the human search for purpose remains strong. Stanford also reflects on the interplay between the personal and communal aspects of pilgrimage, noting how these journeys can foster a sense of connection-both with others and with something greater than oneself-regardless of the traveler’s beliefs.

Stanford’s writing is both scholarly and personal, enriched by his own experiences and by a broad array of sources, from ancient texts to modern travel accounts. He is careful not to judge the authenticity of pilgrims’ motivations or the historical veracity of sacred sites, instead suggesting that the “older variety of truth” found in these places lies in their power to inspire, comfort, and challenge those who walk their paths.

[James Hallmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pilgrimage typically refers to some sort of religious inspired travel, although it does not have to. I live in College Station, Texas, home of Texas A&M and I'd say the Aggie faithful do a pilgrimage each fall to hallowed Kyle Field to watch football, although perhaps that too is their religion. Anyway, Stanford selects 12 such pilgrimages to feature ranging from Mecca to Machu Picchu to the Buddha Trail to the Morman Trail to the Camino de Santiago to Jerusalem to Rome to....He tries to cast a broad net with his pilgrimage examples and seeks to identify commonalities and differences among them. Each of the 12 is a chapter and the chapter covers the history of the destination as well as the journey to the destination and what the pilgrims do once they arrive, although it is clear that the true value of any pilgrimage is in the pilgrimage, less so the actions at the destination. It was pretty interesting. Not heavy reading. But informative and kept hopping enough to keep the interest level up.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stanford leans heavily into the idea that Christianity is fading and new-age rituals are filling the space. I disagree with his perspective (or maybe just dislike it), so I wasn't a huge fan of this book. I did enjoy the chapters on Mecca and Lalibela; they were certainly the ones which taught me the most. Overall, I think his understanding of terms like spirituality and meaning lacked depth. In the opening chapter, he notes that the new Camino is "big enough, long enough, and flexible enough in its own identity to accommodate all comers". If a pilgrimage is so big as to accommodate everyone, then what does it really mean? Stanford doesn't grapple with this issue, even though several of the chapters beg the question.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanford provides a wonderful history behind the trails and treks that both religious and non-religious walkers follow. Conversations reveal a myriad of reasons such journeys are undertaken.

A must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the route, and why such undertakings call our name.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid overview of several walking pilgrimage routes. I particularly found the history of how each developed to be interesting. This book is not a personal account of walking on any of the routes, so if that is what you are looking to read, you'll be better served by another book.

[Louisa]

after reading the first chapter of the art of pilgrimage this felt meh. very descriptive, not sure where he was taking all of it

[Paul Below · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Pilgrimage - there’s a lot of it about!

[Ashley Alexander · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - A very different read for me, but I found it interesting overall to learn about different places of meaning for various religions/spiritual groups.

[Romy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bomvol inspiratie en overwegingen

[Lauren Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool book

[Jean Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-researched overview of finding meaning through movement. History of some of the most famous routes, but also insight into the "why" of current popularity of pilgrimage.

Includes details about many routes, but also deeper insights and contemplation to inform the journey.