On Horseback in Virginia

by Charles Dudley Warner

Charles Warner made a witty and perceptive contribution to the world of nineteenth century American literature when he and Twain co-authored “The Gilded Age”, the book that gave the era its name. In 1887 Warner combined his urbane wit with a love of adventure travel when he penned “On Horseback in Virginia.” Always a keen observer, the roving author set out on horseback to investigate a great, rugged stretch of southern Appalachia. The extended equestrian journey took Warner from Virginia, through North Carolina, and into the remote hills of Tennessee. Additionally, the book contains a second narrative account of Warner’s equestrian adventures in the Old West. This time he saddled up and rode from El Paso, Texas to Mexico City, Mexico. Both tales comprise a book full of meaty descriptions told by one of America’s premier nineteenth century storytellers.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1888

About the author

Charles Dudley Warner was an American essayist, novelist, and friend of Mark Twain, with whom he co-authored the novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today.

Warner travelled widely, lectured frequently, and was actively interested in prison reform, city park supervision, and other movements for the public good. He was the first president of the National Institute of Arts and Letters, and, at the time of his death, was president of the American Social Science Association.

Reviews

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice fun read. The journey is that of the Professor and the Friend of Humanity through Virginia shortly after the Civil War. The Professor speaks in poetry and quotes, mostly and the Friend is a foil and companion.

[Robert A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting account of riding through parts of Virginia, N.C., and Kentucky on horseback. The story is from post civil war, early 20 century and gives a snapshot of life in the mountains.