Richard Grant has never spent more than twenty-two consecutive nights under the same roof. Motivated partly by his own wanderlust and partly by his realisation that America is a land populated by wanderers, he set out to test his theory. AMERICAN NOMADS is the extraordinary result. 'Freedom is impossible and meaningless within the confines of sedentary society, the only true freedom is the freedom to cross the land, beholden to no one'. Grant follows the trails of the first European to wander across the American West (a failed conquistador); joins a group of rodeo-competing cowboys (and gets thrown by a mechanical bull); tells the story of the vanishing nomadic Indians and links up with 300,000 'gerito gypsies' - old people who live and travel in their RVs (Recreational Vehicles). 'When all is said and done, there are two types of men: those who stay at home and those who do not' Kipling. This is the story of those that 'did not' who are populated - and are still travelling - in America.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
Erudite & street-smart... that rare thing: a travel writer who not only amuses & informs but also reappraises a well trodden landscape with brio & originality MAIL ON S. Fascinating ... [Grant] brings to light a range of darkly romantic wanderers who strayed from the American mainstream while exemplifying the American Dream OBSERVER * ...the freshest travel book on the US in a long time & one of the best short entrees to its history & culture TLS Wonderful...the people he talks to are allowed to speak for themselves, and there are many extraordinary stories...a thrilling read THE TIMES
About the Author
Richard Grant has written extensively for the GUARDIAN, ESQUIRE, GQ, the OBSERVER etc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
brilliant,
By
This review is from: Ghost Riders (Paperback)
Fascinating analysis of nomadism in its historical context, focusing on the Native American Plains Indians during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Loaded with well-researched anecdotes of the interaction between "mountain men," trappers, traders, French, Indians, pioneers, etc., some of which serve to contradict much of today's commonly accepted theories of, for instance, what motivated such restless spirits as Daniel Boone and Sam Houston. Historic locations are compared to what is seen first-hand, through the author's observations as he explores the sites. Woven into this historical overview are the stories of contemporary nomads he encounters at truckstops, bars and on the road. A very thought-provoking book, it makes me reflect both on why we choose to live in cities, towns or groupings in our sedentary life-styles, with our rigorous routines, and what freedoms we have sacrificed.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Same book as American Nomads,
By Strick (Georgia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Ghost Riders (Paperback)
An excellent book but be advised that it is the same book as Grant's 'American Nomads.' One published in the USA, the other in the UK.
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
No Problems this time,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Ghost Riders (Paperback)
Ok, I got Ghost Riders, In English, In good time.Thanks, Happy with this, Jeff.
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