Our recommendations on the classics in travel literature
Travel writing has an important place in the history of literature, with examples of travelogues appearing in China in during the Song dynasty, in ancient Greece, and quite frequently in medieval Arabic writings. During the 18th century, maritime diaries were popular reading, with Captain Cook’s letters being the equivalent of a New York Times best-seller. The books listed below are not meant to be a comprehensive historical review, but instead a selection of recommendations on travel books that best represent the genre and the most interesting to read. These books not only provide a glimpse into the world beyond one's familiar surroundings but also inspire readers to explore new places and cultures. It is said that a good travel book can be just as transformative to one's worldview as the journey itself. Here are our recommendations on the classics in travel literature.
The Classics in Travel Literature
The Classics in Travel Literature
As I Walked Out One Summer, by Laurie Lee
As I Walked Out One Summer is a travel memoir by Laurie Lee, first published in 1969. This book serves as the second volume in Lee's autobiographical trilogy, following his earlier work "Cider with Rosie." In this account, Lee recounts his journey on foot across Spain in 1935, just before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. The narrative combines vivid descriptions of the Spanish landscape, culture, and people with Lee's personal reflections and experiences as a young traveler. As a notable piece of travel literature, the book offers readers a unique perspective on pre-war Spain through the eyes of a observant and lyrical writer, capturing both the beauty and the tensions of a country on the brink of significant change.
The Valleys of the Assassins, by Freya Stark
Among the true classics in travel literature, Freya Stark's The Valleys of the Assassins stands out as a testament to courage and exploration. This gripping account follows a lone woman's journey through the rugged, often perilous terrain between Iraq and Iran. Stark's vivid prose brings to life remote mountain cultures and breathtaking landscapes, transporting readers to a time when true adventure meant venturing into the unknown. Her fearless spirit and keen observations offer a timeless window into a realm where danger and discovery intertwine, remaining as captivating today as when it first enthralled readers.
The World of Venice, by Jan Morris
Jan Morris, widely regarded as one of the finest travel writers of her generation, offers a captivating portrait of Italy's most enchanting city in The World of Venice. This elegant work, first published in 1960, delves into the essence of La Serenissima, exploring its labyrinthine canals, ornate palaces, and rich cultural tapestry. Morris's keen observations and lyrical prose bring Venice to life, capturing both its timeless beauty and the subtle nuances of daily life in this unique maritime republic. Through her meticulous research and personal experiences, she provides readers with a multi-faceted view of Venice that goes beyond mere tourist attractions, delving into the city's complex history, vibrant traditions, and enduring mystique.
Seven Years in Tibet, by Heinrich Harrer
While many recognize Seven Years in Tibet as a Hollywood film starring Brad Pitt, its origins lie in the remarkable true story of Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer. His memoir, published in 1952, recounts an extraordinary journey that began with his escape from British internment during World War II. Seeking refuge, Harrer found himself in the forbidden realm of Tibet, a land shrouded in mystery and largely unseen by Western eyes. Over the course of seven years, he immersed himself in Tibetan culture, forged unlikely friendships, and remarkably, became a tutor and confidant to the young 14th Dalai Lama. Harrer's account offers a rare glimpse into a vanishing world and a poignant testament to the power of cross-cultural understanding.
The Boy Who Sailed Around The World alone, by Robin Lee Graham
The Boy Who Sailed Around The World Alone is a captivating story in the circumnavigation genre. This gripping account follows Robin Lee Graham, who at just 16 years old, embarked on an incredible solo journey around the world. Graham's vivid descriptions of stormy seas, unexpected encounters, and moments of serene beauty offer readers an extraordinary coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the world's most remote waters. Drawing from his firsthand experience, Graham's narrative showcases not only the physical challenges of solo sailing but also the psychological fortitude required to face isolation and adversity. His personal growth, including falling in love and marrying during his voyage, adds depth to this must-read tale of human resilience and the allure of the open sea.
Gulliver’s Travels (fiction)
A website dedicated to the best of travel writing would be remiss without mentioning Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, a satirical masterpiece first published in 1726. This fictional travelogue follows Lemuel Gulliver, an English surgeon whose voyages lead him to extraordinary lands. While Gulliver's encounters with miniature people, giants, and intelligent horses are fantastical, the true genius of the work lies in its biting commentary on human nature and society. Swift's imaginative narrative serves as a vehicle for sharp social and political critique, cleverly disguised as a whimsical adventure story. The enduring appeal of Gulliver's Travels stems from its ability to entertain while prompting readers to reflect on the follies and virtues of humanity.
Journey Without Maps, by Graham Greene
In 1935, at the age of 30, renowned English novelist Graham Greene embarked on an extraordinary journey to one of Africa's most uncharted regions. Venturing into a territory quite literally absent from maps, Greene's expedition took him far beyond the reaches of Western influence. His vivid account of this odyssey offers a rare glimpse into an impoverished society untouched by modern civilization, providing an invaluable historical and anthropological record.
A Time of Gifts, by Patrick Leigh Fermor
Patrick Leigh Fermor's A Time of Gifts is the first volume in his trilogy recounting his youthful journey on foot across Europe in the 1930s. Published in 1977, it covers his travels from the Hook of Holland to the Middle Danube. Fermor's rich prose and keen observations bring to life the pre-World War II landscape and cultures he encountered. The book is notable for its blend of travelogue, history, and personal reflection. Fermor continued his narrative in Between the Woods and the Water and the posthumously published The Broken Road, completing his account of the trek that would shape his life and literary career.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a wild, drug-fueled odyssey through Sin City's neon underbelly. This gonzo masterpiece blurs reality and hallucination, serving up biting social commentary alongside surreal misadventures. Thompson's razor-sharp prose careens from hilarious to terrifying, creating more than just a trippy travelogue. It's a requiem for the fading 1960s counterculture, capturing the disillusionment of a nation at a crossroads and forcing readers to confront the twisted remnants of the American Dream.
A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush
A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush is Eric Newby's account of his 1956 journey through Afghanistan's remote Nuristan region. Drawing on his keen eye for detail and dry wit, Newby recounts his ill-prepared expedition with diplomat Hugh Carless to climb Mir Samir, a previously unscaled peak. The book blends adventure, cultural observations, and self-deprecating humor as Newby, a former fashion industry worker turned travel writer, navigates the challenges of extreme mountaineering and encounters with local inhabitants. His narrative captures the rugged beauty of the Hindu Kush and offers insights into a rarely glimpsed corner of the world, establishing Newby as a distinctive voice in travel literature.
Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes, by Robert Louis Stevenson
In autumn 1879, 28-year-old Robert Louis Stevenson embarked on a 120-mile trek through France's Cévennes mountains, accompanied only by a stubborn donkey. This journey inspired Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, published the following year. While Stevenson is best known for Treasure Island, this earlier travelogue offers a captivating blend of wit and lyrical descriptions. It not only provides insight into Stevenson's development as a writer but also pioneered outdoor literature, influencing future travel writers.
My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy, by Clint Hill
My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Jacqueline Kennedy during her time as First Lady. The book, written by her personal assistant Clint Hill, provides a firsthand account of the numerous trips and official visits undertaken by Mrs. Kennedy. Hill's narrative balances the public persona of the First Lady with more personal moments, revealing her curiosity, intelligence, and dedication to cultural diplomacy. Through his respectful and observant lens, readers gain insight into Mrs. Kennedy's impact on international relations and her role in shaping the image of the United States abroad during the early 1960s.
Travels with Herodotus, by Ryzard Kapuscinski
In Travels with Herodotus, Polish journalist Ryszard Kapuściński takes us on a mesmerizing journey through time and across continents. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek historian, Kapuściński weaves his own experiences as a foreign correspondent with Herodotus's timeless tales. He vividly recounts his first assignment in India, where he was awestruck by the bustling streets of Delhi and the serene banks of the Ganges. The author's encounters in Iran during the last days of the Shah's rule offer a poignant glimpse into a pivotal moment in history. Throughout the book, Kapuściński's lyrical prose and sharp insights bring to life the enduring human stories that connect us across cultures and centuries, reminding us that the past is never truly gone, but alive in the present.
Kon-Tiki, by Thor Heyerdahl
Kon-Tiki is the epic account of a 4,300 mile rafting expedition made in 1947 across the Pacific Ocean from South America to the Tuamoto Islands in Polynesia. Led by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, this daring voyage aimed to prove that ancient South Americans could have settled Polynesia using primitive rafts. It was an amazing journey that no one thought was possible, undertaken on a balsa wood raft using only materials and technologies available to pre-Columbian sailors. The book, which details this incredible adventure, remains a worthwhile read even today, captivating audiences with its blend of scientific inquiry and high-seas drama.
Arabian Sands, by Wilfred Thesiger
Arabian Sands is a captivating account of Wilfred Thesiger's adventures across the Arabian Peninsula in the mid-20th century. This travelogue offers a glimpse into a vanishing way of life, as Thesiger immersed himself in Bedouin culture. His vivid descriptions portray vast deserts and the resilient nomads inhabiting them. Written after World War II, the book captures a pivotal moment just before oil discovery transformed the region. Thesiger's respect for the Bedouin and keen observations make this work both a valuable record and an engaging read.
The Odyssey, by Homer
The Odyssey, one of the foundational works of Western literature, is an ancient Greek epic poem traditionally attributed to Homer. This masterpiece narrates the perilous ten-year journey of the cunning hero Odysseus as he strives to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. A sequel to The Iliad, The Odyssey blends mythology, adventure, and profound human themes, cementing its place as a timeless classic that continues to influence literature and popular culture to this day.
West with the Night, by Beryl Markham
West with the Night is the captivating memoir of Beryl Markham, a pioneering aviator. Raised in colonial Kenya, Markham's unconventional upbringing shaped her into a fearless woman. The autobiography recounts her childhood and groundbreaking aviation career, culminating in her historic 1936 solo flight across the Atlantic from England to Nova Scotia. Markham's lyrical prose chronicles her remarkable achievements while painting a vivid portrait of early 20th-century Africa, earning the book acclaim as a masterpiece of adventure writing.
The Travels of Marco Polo, by Marco Polo
Imagine holding a piece of history in your hands - a 13th-century travelogue penned by none other than Marco Polo, the legendary Venetian merchant whose adventures captivated the world. This extraordinary work, one of the earliest known travel books, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world shrouded in mystery and exoticism. While scholars continue to debate the exact degree of its authenticity, much of Polo's account has been corroborated by historical evidence, lending credence to his incredible tales of distant lands and cultures. For connoisseurs of travel writing, this rare tome is more than just a book - it's a portal to a bygone era, inviting readers to retrace the footsteps of one of history's greatest explorers.
The Road to Oxiana, by Robert Byrson
The Road to Oxiana, Robert Byron's masterful 1937 travelogue, chronicles his ten-month odyssey through the Middle East. This influential work offers a captivating glimpse into a world both exotic and enigmatic. Byron's eccentric wit transforms the journey's challenges into an intoxicating narrative, vividly portraying the region's landscapes and cultures. Widely regarded as a cornerstone of modern travel literature, The Road to Oxiana continues to inspire readers with its blend of adventure and cultural insight.
Other Book Recommendations
Also feel free to check out some of the classic travel books listed in our “Best of the Best” section!
Travels With Charley, by John Steinbeck
The Innocents Abroad, by Mark Twain
On the Road, by Jack Kerouac
The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen
In Patagonia, by Bruce Chatwin