“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” ~ Gustave Flaubert
What is the urge that we humans have, to pack a bag, and set out to explore new lands? In the modern age when the act of travel is so much more accessible, the travel "bug" consistently bites a majority of the population, whether it is quick weekend getaways or more leisurely summer travel. The constraints of the pandemic years have only served to fuel this need further. People around the world are travelling more than they ever have – international holiday travel is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels and hit an all-time high in 2024, with an estimated 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals.
This form of globalised, ubiquitous, and relatively democratic travel comes with challenges – technological saturation, over-tourism, impact on sustainability, and the complexities and benefits for local communities, are issues that modern travellers must contend with. But the urge to explore, to travel beyond one’s borders, to immerse oneself in an unknown landscape and culture, remains as strong today as it ever was, a fundamental human trait.
Travel writing's origins lie in the insatiable curiosity of early explorers. Marco Polo's vivid descriptions of China, Ibn Battuta's chronicles of his journeys through the Islamic world, and even ancient Greeks like Pausanias laid the foundation, their accounts driven by a burning desire to document the unknown. Later, the 17th and 18th-century European tradition of the Grand Tour cemented the role of travel writing - affluent young men (sometimes women) travelled extensively, producing diaries and letters filled with observations, social commentary, and reflections, shaping our perceptions of far-off lands.
Today in this post, we focus on a few classic travel writers from the early part of the 20th century whose works are staples on our travel shelf, along with a couple of contemporary writers whose purpose and approach to travel is consistent with that of the classic travellers.
Robert Byron (1905-1941): In his masterpiece, "The Road to Oxiana," Byron paints a mesmerizing portrait of Persia and Afghanistan in the 1930s. Byron travelled during a pivotal time of change and political tension in the region. The fading Persian and Ottoman Empires gave way to new nations, and European influence was waning. Byron was driven by his fascination with Islamic architecture, and the book contains detailed, almost scholarly, descriptions and analyses of mosques, tombs, and other structures he encounters. "The Road to Oxiana" became a bestseller when it came out and many consider it amongst the finest examples of travel writing from the 1930s.
Freya Stark (1893-1993): "Baghdad Sketches" by Freya Stark transports readers to 1930s Iraq. Stark spent extended periods living in Baghdad in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Her "Sketches" are a collection of essays, originally written as articles for the Baghdad Times, providing vivid snapshots of Iraqi life during this time. As a woman traveling and living independently in the Middle East in the early 20th century, Stark defied convention. Her approach was marked by an openness, respect, and a willingness to immerse herself in local cultures, and to poke fun at herself - she candidly describes her own cultural misunderstandings, language mishaps, and the occasional embarrassing faux pas. Baghdad Sketches provides an intimate portrait of everyday life in a city that would later experience significant change and turmoil.
Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989): Abandoning a career at Sotheby's as an art expert to pursue travel and writing, Bruce Chatwin was defined by a deep-seated wanderlust. One of his hallmarks was a tendency to blur the lines between fact, memory, and creative invention. This makes his narratives captivating but whether they are entirely non-fiction can be debated. "In Patagonia" by Bruce Chatwin is a classic - a captivating blend of personal anecdotes, historical fragments, and an almost mythical perception of the rugged Patagonian landscape. The book explores the allure of this untamed landscape, the myths and legends of the region, histories of outlaws, adventurers, and those seeking refuge at the fringes of the world.
Patrick Leigh Fermor (1915-2011): Fermor was a British soldier, scholar, and one of the most celebrated travel writers of the 20th century. In his youth, he famously walked across Europe from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople (Istanbul). This journey became the basis of his much-acclaimed trilogy: "A Time of Gifts," "Between the Woods and the Water," and "The Broken Road." Fermor was a consummate adventurer and scholar. His writing is lyrical, weaving together descriptions, historical insights, literary allusions, and a deep appreciation for the people and cultures he encounters. Other books by Fermor, include "Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese" and "Roumeli: Travels in Northern Greece"
Paul Theroux (1941- ): Theroux's "The Great Railway Bazaar" details an epic rail journey across Asia. “The Old Patagonian Express” covers his journey by rail from Boston down to the southern tip of South America, showcasing Theroux's long-standing love for train travel and his observations of diverse cultures throughout the Americas. His observant eye, wry humour, and encounters with diverse characters make his travel writing a travel literature staple, although his harsh critiques and cynicism sometimes make him a polarizing figure in the world of travel writing.
Michael Palin (1943 - ): A British comedian, actor, and writer best known for his role in the Monty Python comedy group, Palin became a beloved and respected figure in the world of travel writing and documentaries. His approach to travel is marked by curiosity, a sense of humour, and respectful interactions with the people he encounters. He refrains from the "intrepid explorer" trope, focusing instead on connection and the joy of discovery. Travel series and accompanying books like "Around the World in 80 Days," "Pole to Pole," "Full Circle," and "Himalaya" are among his notable works. His affable personality and ability to find the extraordinary in seemingly ordinary experiences have endeared him to audiences and readers everywhere.
Pico Iyer (1957 - ) Born in Oxford, England, to Indian parents, Iyer spent his childhood and young adulthood between England and California. This early exposure to different cultures laid the foundation for his interest in global perspectives and questions of belonging. Iyer studied literature at Oxford and Harvard and initially worked as a journalist for Time magazine. His writing often blends journalistic observation with literary prose. Iyer frequently grapples with the feeling of being between cultures and examines how travel can illuminate both rootlessness and the possibility of finding connection anywhere. Many of his works touch on themes of spirituality, meditation, and the search for inner stillness ("The Art of Stillness," "The Lady and the Monk"). He often explores these concepts through the lens of Buddhist- and Zen-influenced Japan.
In his most recent work ‘The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise, he departs somewhat from traditional travel writing offering reflections prompted by his exploration of different concepts of paradise - inner, outer, and the elusive spaces in between. "The Half Known Life" raises poignant questions about finding meaning, peace, and belonging in a world marked by suffering, division, and constant change.
Whether it is Byron's beautiful prose, Stark's keen observations, Chatwin's blend of fact and fiction, Theroux's honest voice, Palin’s affability, or Iyer’s spiritual approach, they all draw us deep into their journeys. Their wonder reminds us why venturing into the unknown continues to be appealing to so many of us. And since many of their journeys pre-date the age of 'fast' travel, they unfold at a more deliberate pace, reminding us that the journey itself and its unhurried moments are as significant as the destination.
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