Devon Book Club discussion

I have been browsing through some old travel books, written in the thirties, forties and fifties for the most part - and was stunned by the quality of writing. It's poetic, atmospheric, evocative and truly exceptional. We are so used to the large, glossy books that come out these days, by travellers such as Michael Palin, that we forget what good reads can still be picked up for pence. They have maybe a few pages of b/w photos, and not all have that, but the pictures the descriptions paint in your mind is equal to the multitude of glossy colour shots in modern books. Unfortunately, these old, often tatty books don't make it to the charity shop shelves. They are sent for pulping - a crime to my way of thinking. Search out any place that actually sells these wonderful books and purchase a few. They may be dirty or spineless, with nothing to commend their appearance, but you'll find you're rewarded by a magic carpet ride to faraway places simply by the use of magical words.

Serena wrote: "I have been browsing through some old travel books, written in the thirties, forties and fifties for the most part - and was stunned by the quality of writing. It's poetic, atmospheric, evocative a..."

Lovely post Serena - thank you. I have not read many travel books but those that I have are contemporary. I just bought Travels with Herodotus which I am excited to read

The excellent travel writer and all-round 'observer' Bruce Chatwyn was very influenced by Robert Byron's travel writing. His style is nothing like Byron's purple prose, though. If you are looking for some entertaining, perceptive and 'make you think' reading, check out Chatwyn's books. He got himself into all sorts of scrapes during his travels too, including being incarcerated for taking part in an African state coup - which he was only reporting on. It makes for great reading.

J.G. wrote: "The excellent travel writer and all-round 'observer' Bruce Chatwyn was very influenced by Robert Byron's travel writing. His style is nothing like Byron's purple prose, though. If you are looking f..."

Thanks Jane - great recommendation

J.G. wrote: "The excellent travel writer and all-round 'observer' Bruce Chatwyn was very influenced by Robert Byron's travel writing. His style is nothing like Byron's purple prose, though. If you are looking f..."
Yes! I second that J.G. I first read Chatwin's The Songlines decades ago, when I was studying Australian Lit, and found it wonderful - although I have a recollection that it has been challenged, since, by Aboriginal writers. However, it led to many of Chatwin's other works, which are a joy. More recently I have enjoyed Robert MacFarlane's Mountains of the Mind: A History of a Fascination, while an old 'laugh out loud' favourite is Into the Heart of Borneo by Redmond O'Hanlan ... plus anything by Jan Morris, eg:Venice.

The Travels of William Bartram is both an entertaining and useful reference book for anyone interested in that area of the New World which is now Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Bartram was a naturalist and travelled through this area from 1773 to 1778. Evidently Bartram's descriptions were used as a source for Kubla Khan and Ancient Mariner by Coleridge, and were highly prized by Wordsworth and Carlyle. I really enjoyed reading it.

Carol wrote: "The Travels of William Bartram is both an entertaining and useful reference book for anyone interested in that area of the New World which is now Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Bartram was a n..."

That's interesting, Carol. The Ancient Mariner is one of my favourite poems. Fascinating to know where he sourced some of his material from.

Carol wrote: "The Travels of William Bartram is both an entertaining and useful reference book for anyone interested in that area of the New World which is now Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Bartram was a n..."

Thanks for that information Carol. It sounds fascinating. The woman I'm writing about grew up in Georgia, so I will have a read; it may add some useful local background. I love travel books of any type and period (too much travel and mountaineering in my youth), but it's also nice to think that 'Kubla Kahn' wasn't just down to an opium daze, as some would have it.

Have just read two travel books: The Insiders' Guide to Williamsburg and Virginia's historic triangle, and The Official Guide to America's Historic Triangle. The triangle comprises James Town, York Town and Williamsburg in Virginia. I found both books very interesting and gleaned various bits of historical knowledge from them.
I am visiting York Town for the October anniversary of the battle when Cornwallis and the British were defeated by the Americans and the French, so wanted to discover what I could about the area.

Sounds great - what a great trip in prospect

Ian wrote: "Sounds great - what a great trip in prospect"

Hopefully it will be. I will be marching down Main Street of York Town with the group I am in! It is too difficult to take period costume with me so I am thinking of wearing a white scarf (the color of the House of Bourbon- the French helped the Americans in the battle, otherwise it is unlikely the Americans would have won. When the British surrendered and marched down the lines they refused to look at the Americans and glared instead at the French) and a bonnet!

I didn't know that about the French role. We do have an complex history with our near neighbours don't we?