Wanderlust: A History of Walking

Rebecca Solnit's "Wanderlust: A History of Walking" explores the historical, political, and philosophical paths traced by walkers, from ancient Greece to the present. It argues that walking has meaning for pleasure, political, aesthetic, and social purposes and profiles significant walkers in history and fiction. The book offers a new perspective on one of humanity's most fundamental acts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Granta Books

Wanderlust: A History of Walking

By: Rebecca Solnit

Magisterial and thought-provoking, this modern classic delves into the profound and captivating world of walking.

From historical, political, and philosophical perspectives, the book explores the diverse paths taken by walkers across landscapes and cities, on pilgrimages, and during protest marches.

In this groundbreaking work, Rebecca Solnit weaves together a rich tapestry of stories, offering a fresh and innovative way of understanding one of humanity's most fundamental and expressive acts.

Arguing that walking as history encompasses both pleasure and political, aesthetic, and social significance, Solnit focuses on the walkers whose everyday and extreme actions have shaped our culture throughout history.

From the philosophers of ancient Greece to the poets of the Romantic Age, from the surrealist perambulations to the mountaineers' ascents, Solnit showcases the diverse range of walkers who have left their mark on our world.

Through captivating profiles of some of the most significant walkers in history and fiction, from renowned poets like Wordsworth to trailblazing activists like Gary Snyder, from philosophers like Rousseau to iconic figures like Argentina's Mother of the Plaza de Mayo, from literary icons like Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet to avant-garde artists like Andre Breton's Nadja,

Wanderlust takes readers on an unforgettable journey, revealing the profound impact that walking can have on the body, imagination, and the surrounding world.

This book is a rare gem that sparks a renewed appreciation for something we often take for granted, making us look anew at the world around us with a fresh perspective and a sense of wonder.

Whether you're an avid walker or simply someone who enjoys a good stroll, Wanderlust is a must-read that will inspire, educate, and delight you in equal measure.

Rebecca Solnit's magisterial writing style and profound insights make this book a timeless treasure that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783787357