Travel Writing Tribe: Journeys in Search of a Genre

The Travel Writing Tribe is a 2021 Financial Times Travel Book of the Year that explores the genre's controversies, including whether travel writers can make things up, its colonial connections, and its dominance by posh white men. It swills beer with Dervla Murphy, sips tea with British explorers, and gains insights from Colin Thubron, Samanth Subramanian, Kapka Kassabova, and William Dalrymple.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

In his captivating book, "The Travel Writing Tribe," Tim Hannigan embarks on a fascinating exploration of the evolving landscape of travel writing in the twenty-first century. With a deep passion for the genre and a lifetime of experience in the field, Hannigan sets out on a quest to uncover the mysteries and controversies that have shaped this venerable art form.

The book delves into the core question of whether travel writers can ever resort to fabrication, and where precisely the boundary between fact and fiction lies. Hannigan examines the historical dominance of posh white men in travel writing and explores the uncomfortable colonial connections that have often been overlooked.

Through his travels, Hannigan engages in insightful conversations with a diverse range of renowned travel writers, explorers, and scholars. He shares beers with the indomitable Dervla Murphy, indulges in tea with the esteemed doyen of British explorers, and delves into the diaries of Wilfred Thesiger and Patrick Leigh Fermor. Additionally, he gains valuable insights from Colin Thubron, Samantha Subramanian, Kapka Kassabova, William Dalrymple, and many others.

As Hannigan traverses from Monaco to Eton, from the wintry landscapes of Scotland to the sun-scorched hillsides of Greece, he realizes the immense significance of his journey. He questions whether his own love for travel writing can withstand the challenges and controversies that he encounters along the way.

"The Travel Writing Tribe" is a highly original work that challenges readers and travelers of all kinds to think about travel writing in fresh and innovative ways. It compels us to reevaluate our assumptions and explore the rich tapestry of this genre, which has the power to transport, inspire, and provoke thought.

In conclusion, "The Travel Writing Tribe" is a must-read for anyone who has a passion for travel, literature, or the exploration of cultural landscapes. Tim Hannigan's insightful and thought-provoking book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on travel writing and provides a compelling roadmap for navigating the complexities of this fascinating genre in the twenty-first century.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 148 x 224 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787384705