American Nomads: Travels with Lost Conquistadors, Mountain Men, Cowboys, Indians, Hoboes, Truckers, and Bullriders

What I loved about American Nomads -- aside from the author's narrative of life "on the road" and all the wild characters he encountered on his journeys -- is that Mr. Grant infuses the book with historical perspective, examining nomadism as a social phenomenon in the American context.From Spanish Conquistadors to Native American tribes to "mountain men" to rail hobos and truckers who move from stop to stop without staying in one place for very long, Grant doesn't just recount what living in near-constant motion does to his and others' psyches but how the phenomenon of nomadism verses sedentary living evolved over time in this country, why there are so many negative stereotypes associated with those who chose to live an "unsettled" life and why he chose to follow in the footsteps of so many others who cast off conventional societal values to live unfettered in frontier territory (most of this story takes place in the American West, where one can still find much open space).Grant spent many years on the road, often rejecting better financial opportunities and lasting relationships to explore the American West, hook up with other nomads and write about the experiences he had. Grant casts a non-judgmental light on the people who struck out in search of a better life or simply took the path less traveled (which involved constant travel), but he also doesn't shy away from the tough realities of life on the move and the kinds of mercurial personalities who choose such a life.Well-researched, with an easy, accessible narrative style, Grant's American Nomads might conjure up your repressed desire to shirk all obligations and see what's out there for you in the great wide open. Can't wait to read Mr. Grant's other books.

I absolutely adored this book. It's like a halfway-boutique history that doesn't claim to be one, and as such it can get away with the halfway part. Grant explores the dirty, the grimy, and the repulsive, as well as the beutiful and the mundane. You'll fall in love with this book because Grant's love of the road is palpable, and what he does best in this work is communicate the sense of possibility that is inherent in the road.One thing that I found disappointing as a historian was his lack of references. I would have loved to have seen detailed footnotes/endnotes for the material that he dug up. He is, however, working with his own experiences as well as the oral histories of others, so for the most part, there is little to reference.SPOILER ALERT BELOW!One thing I didn't quite get was his statement at the end where he equated the founding of the major religions by desert wanderers with the focus on heaven-borne deities. I thought that link was absurdly weak, and it soured the book for me at the end. That said, I would recommend this text 1000 times over, and in fact, will be giving it as a gift to several people this holiday season.

I often read books and pass them on, but this is a keeper. I even bought a copy for a friend. Most books about traveling the US I feel over-romanticize it. This felt like the good, the bad, and the ugly were were explored. So cool to think about so many types of people who are still on the move even during this modern era. I really liked his historical research as well. Again, it felt balanced and honest rather than a glorification only.

I'm sure the book is terrific. Never received it. Ding on the seller.

The beginning of this book sucked me right in. Grant, at the time a recent escapee of dreary London life, tells of his first awestruck days in the American West. As a lifelong resident of the West, I loved hearing the author's outsider appreciation for this land.Grant's tales kept me up late into the nights, unwilling to get off the road with him. His amazing command of language makes the stories come to life in the most vibrant possible way. I particularly like the way he weaves American history in with his travels, and includes fascinating characters, historical and contemporary. There's also a love story with interesting twists.Have a seat on the passenger's side, roll down the window, and enjoy the ride. I sure did.

Phew...I read a couple of vitriolic low rating reviews for this...and did wonder if the reviewers were havin a bad day or even a worse life. True Richard did overindulge for 100 or so pages in historical fact on wandering/lost conquistador wannabees..who were'nt conquering much whilst hopelessly lost...but it was more than redeemed by the personal contact he made with those diametrically opposed to 'sedentary' life.Those who just love to wander...where destinations or more importantly 'arrivals'...are far less meaningful than departures. Indeed its the constant departing that 'keeps them feeling alive'! Would I recommend it??...well hell yes...if for no other reason than to give those stifled by humdrum regularity and routine -a taste of the opposite. Richard writes well and I purchased a few of his other works...and will review them in due course

Some little thing drew me to this book at a used book store and I was rewarded beyond my wildest expectations. Grant is an authentic adventurer and an honest and talented writer. Read God's Middle Finger (about the Mexico Sierra Madre) next-- you'll become a true Richard Grant follower.

Richard Grant's marvelous first book explains to those of us who loved CRAZY RIVER and GOD'S MIDDLE FINGER how he could have endured the risk and hardships in Tanzania and the Mexican Sierra Madres and survived to write those fascinating books. Like the Americans of the 19th through 21st century he describes in AMERICAN NOMADS, Richard suffers from whatever mental condition compels these folks to keep moving from one harrowing adventure to the next. My hats off to Richard Grant. He is the bravest writer I've ever read. Can't wait until this British Nomad writes his next one. Michael Henry

Excellent read,

Still to read it butI like his other stuff