Travel Literature: Between Discovery and Adventure

Since its publication in 2017, Travel Literature: Between Discovery and Adventure has emerged as one of the most influential books in the field of literary studies. Edited by Anne E. O’Malley and Eva Hock, this groundbreaking collection examines the complex relationship between travel writing and literature, particularly in regards to the ways in which it can be used to explore identity, culture, history, and the world at large.

The book is divided into four sections: Encountering Adventure, Exploring Identity, Telling Stories, and Understanding the World. Each section examines the many ways in which travel writing has shaped literature, from early accounts of exploration and discovery to contemporary works of fiction. The contributors to this volume provide thoughtful analysis of a wide range of works, from classical epics like Homer’s Odyssey to modern novels such as Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake.

This collection is an invaluable resource for scholars and students of literature as it offers both theoretical and practical insights into how travel writing can be used to explore a variety of topics. It also offers a unique perspective on how travel serves as both an inspiration for creative expression and an invitation for readers to reflect on their own experiences.

Travel Literature: Between Discovery and Adventure has become an essential text for those interested in understanding the ways in which literature is shaped by travel writing. By providing an overview of the major themes and motifs associated with this genre, O’Malley and Hock have laid the groundwork for future scholarship on this important topic. It is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of how travel can shape our understanding of the world around us.