Travel Writing: The Self and the World

by Casey Blanton

Following the genre's development from classical times to the present, "Travel Writing: The Self and the World" shows how it has evolved and changed, yet is always centered on encounters between the self and the other and the mediation between the familiar and the foreign. Emphasis is placed on Anglo-American travel writing since the 18th century. Identifying significant theoretical and critical contributions to the field, Casey Blanton presents an engaging historical overview of travel writing and provides close readings of exemplary texts by six major figures: James Boswell, Mary Kingsley, Graham Greene, Peter Mathiessen, V.S. Naipaul, and Bruce Chatwin.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

166 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 1997

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of both travel writing itself and the criticism about it. Hints at post-colonial approaches to travel writing. Strong links with cultural studies and anthropology. Great source of references.

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useable guide to travel writing. A historical overview of travel writing with specific focus on the role, the traveler undertook in his or hers account of the travel.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best basic introduction to travel writing. It introduces themes through the ages and specific important travelers.