- Hardcover: 624 pages
- Publisher: Picador; First Edition edition (2 July 2010)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0330375512
- ISBN-13: 978-0330375511
- Product Dimensions: 16.4 x 6.2 x 24.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
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- #88 in Books > Calendars, Diaries, Annuals & More > Scrapbooks
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Product Description
Review
'Driving Home teems with acerbic humour but it contains, too, a wealth of astute cultural and historical observation of the Pacific north-west... There is much else in this volume to celebrate, in particular a long piece called "Mississippi Water", which must surely be counted as one of the finest examples of the reporting of a natural disaster ever published . . . 600 relentlessly intelligent pages of erudite, acerbic, witty and combative prose.' --Patrick McGrath, Guardian Book of the Week
'Old Glory, Hunting Mr Heartbreak, Bad Land, Passage to Juneau - these are books that have few rivals, if any, as a sustained commentary on the United States by a friendly outsider...a passionate history buff...and a skilled raconteur...It's a fine ride' --Kevin Jackson, Sunday Times
'This fabulous collection of essays...As with many great travel writers, Raban's restless narrative voice is constantly troubled by ideas of home...He rarely takes a direct route to his stated destination, but it is invariably worth going for the ride.' --Tim Adams, Observer
'It's a quest that Raban approaches, in these essays, with the full force of his remarkable talent, infused with the profound intellectual ease and quiet authority that only a writer with so much steadying ballast of good work as Raban has could muster. In 604 pages, not a dull moment. How does he do it?' --Evening Standard
'Raban plots his course through his Americana scrapbook with historical vigour and intellectual flair.' --Evening Standard
'The elegance, wit, intensity - and research - behind Raban's work demands that the reader follow the path towards Empsonian clarity...Everything Raban writes is readable, some of his essays are outstanding ... It is exhilarating.' --Oldie, Nigel Fountain
'Raban achieves the perfect blend of the historical, observational and personal for which so many strive ... I love this book.'
--Literary Review
'Old Glory, Hunting Mr Heartbreak, Bad Land, Passage to Juneau - these are books that have few rivals, if any, as a sustained commentary on the United States by a friendly outsider...a passionate history buff...and a skilled raconteur...It's a fine ride' --Kevin Jackson, Sunday Times
'This fabulous collection of essays...As with many great travel writers, Raban's restless narrative voice is constantly troubled by ideas of home...He rarely takes a direct route to his stated destination, but it is invariably worth going for the ride.' --Tim Adams, Observer
'It's a quest that Raban approaches, in these essays, with the full force of his remarkable talent, infused with the profound intellectual ease and quiet authority that only a writer with so much steadying ballast of good work as Raban has could muster. In 604 pages, not a dull moment. How does he do it?' --Evening Standard
'Raban plots his course through his Americana scrapbook with historical vigour and intellectual flair.' --Evening Standard
'The elegance, wit, intensity - and research - behind Raban's work demands that the reader follow the path towards Empsonian clarity...Everything Raban writes is readable, some of his essays are outstanding ... It is exhilarating.' --Oldie, Nigel Fountain
'Raban achieves the perfect blend of the historical, observational and personal for which so many strive ... I love this book.'
--Literary Review
Product Description
The definitive essay collection from one of Picador's most highly acclaimed authors
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I came across this amazing collection of articles written so well by an author who was unknown to me until I speculatively ordered it from my local library! Although I was initially put off by the size (over 600 pages), I have been on a journey of discovery! Jonathan really tests his reader, living up to his quoted inspiration by William Empson's 'Seven Types of Ambiguity'! - One is obliged to read his detailed but flowing prose with care and attention - So welcome to yours truly in an age of scanning and butterfly minds - However, apart from his superb introduction which I had to re-read several times, the following chapters are re-printed articles, so smaller and manageable gems to dip into at one's leisure!
Jonathan 'reads' landscapes as palimpsests with the appropriate literary associations/connections to each new area he explores - This works so well, it is not only a delightful and engaging read, but also has been an inspiration to this reviewer too - I am an amateur landscape photographer, but now I will be trying to combine my landscape photography with Jonathan's descriptive techniques to contextualise my photographs.
I can't recommend this book highly enough - Needless to say, I have ordered my own copy from Amazon (whilst they are still available in hardcover), so this chunky tome can take pride of place in my personal library! - I'll be investigating the author's entire oeuvre too, now I've had my 'eyes opened' (metaphorically and even literally!) - 'So many books, so little time', eh? - Phew, aren't we the lucky ones though? - Jonathan Raban is a superb author and this is a great introduction for those who have not tried him before, but also another worthy read for those who have, I'm certain.
Excuse my gushing admiration, as I'm not usually prone to this, so praise indeed perhaps?! ;-)
Jonathan 'reads' landscapes as palimpsests with the appropriate literary associations/connections to each new area he explores - This works so well, it is not only a delightful and engaging read, but also has been an inspiration to this reviewer too - I am an amateur landscape photographer, but now I will be trying to combine my landscape photography with Jonathan's descriptive techniques to contextualise my photographs.
I can't recommend this book highly enough - Needless to say, I have ordered my own copy from Amazon (whilst they are still available in hardcover), so this chunky tome can take pride of place in my personal library! - I'll be investigating the author's entire oeuvre too, now I've had my 'eyes opened' (metaphorically and even literally!) - 'So many books, so little time', eh? - Phew, aren't we the lucky ones though? - Jonathan Raban is a superb author and this is a great introduction for those who have not tried him before, but also another worthy read for those who have, I'm certain.
Excuse my gushing admiration, as I'm not usually prone to this, so praise indeed perhaps?! ;-)
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love Raban's writing, and this collection of his journalism is an exceptional compilation.
Set out by decade, each piece is a gem. It's as simple as that. His views as an Englishman on all matters American are first class.
Can't recommend it highly enough. I'll return to it many times I'm sure.
Set out by decade, each piece is a gem. It's as simple as that. His views as an Englishman on all matters American are first class.
Can't recommend it highly enough. I'll return to it many times I'm sure.
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
What a great compilation of short pieces; whitty, warm and thoughtful. His use of the english language is stunning. Jonathan Raban remains at his best in these works. When will he next travel to Britain to speak about his writings...? I look forward to that.
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