Travel Writers of the 20th Century

Monday, February 20th 2023

The 20th century saw the emergence of many prominent travel writers. Some of the most notable ones include:

  1. Ernest Hemingway - While he is primarily known as a novelist, Hemingway also wrote extensively about his travels, including his experiences in Spain, Africa, and Italy.

  2. Paul Theroux - With over 50 years of experience, Theroux is considered one of the most prolific and influential travel writers of the 20th century. He has written about his travels to Africa, Asia, and South America, among other places.

  3. Bill Bryson - Bryson's humorous and entertaining travel writing has won him a large following. Some of his most popular books include "A Walk in the Woods," which chronicles his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, and "Notes from a Small Island," which explores his adopted home country of England.

  4. Jan Morris - Morris is known for her evocative and insightful writing about her travels to some of the world's most fascinating and remote locations. Her book "Venice" is considered a classic in the genre of travel writing.

  5. Bruce Chatwin - Chatwin's writing often blurred the line between fiction and nonfiction, and he is known for his explorations of the nomadic lifestyle in books like "In Patagonia" and "The Songlines."

  6. Freya Stark - As a woman traveling solo in the Middle East in the early 20th century, Stark was a trailblazer in the field of travel writing. Her books, including "The Southern Gates of Arabia" and "The Valleys of the Assassins," are still widely read today.

  7. Peter Matthiessen - Matthiessen was not only a celebrated travel writer, but also a naturalist and Zen Buddhist. His book "The Snow Leopard" is a meditation on the Himalayas and his search for the elusive big cat, while "Under the Mountain Wall" explores the culture and people of New Guinea.

  8. Patrick Leigh Fermor - Fermor's travel writing often focused on his walks through Europe, including his journey from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople in "A Time of Gifts" and "Between the Woods and the Water." He was also a decorated war hero and wrote extensively about his experiences in World War II.

  9. Pico Iyer - Iyer's lyrical and introspective writing often delves into the intersections of travel, culture, and identity. His books include "The Art of Stillness," which explores the benefits of staying in one place, and "Video Night in Kathmandu," a reflection on the impact of Western culture on the East.

  10. Redmond O'Hanlon - O'Hanlon's writing is characterized by his adventurous spirit and willingness to explore some of the world's most remote and dangerous places. His books include "Into the Heart of Borneo," which details his journey into the unexplored interior of the island, and "Trawler," which documents his voyage aboard a deep-sea fishing vessel.

  11. Rebecca Solnit - Solnit's writing often combines personal narrative with broader cultural and political insights. Her books include "Wanderlust," a meditation on the history and culture of walking, and "A Field Guide to Getting Lost," which explores the theme of wandering and the unknown.