Within the literary canon, one of the most important and extensively used conventions is that of the journey. This can simply be going from A to B, or it can encompass the entire theme of the novel. Composed of over 75 individual essays on famous journeys within literature, Literary Journeys is an enjoyable read that takes us on a journey of our own through the vast expanses of storytelling. Whilst not incredibly in-depth, the collection of essays presented here provides an easy-going analysis of some of the most well-known journeys in fiction.

First of all, the book’s scope is immense. Covering the classics of ancient Greece to contemporary literature found in today’s bookshops, 2500 years of literature is condensed into small essays depicting books that are integral to the story of the voyage in the public imagination. This overall scope allows the reader to digest an international literary canon in just 300 pages, complemented by accompanying art and pictures. Such use of illustrations and photographs breaks up the essays nicely, sanctioning a rest amidst heavy references to bygone literature. Along with this, the diverse range of authors from different backgrounds and ethnicities creates a more reliable telling and understanding of the trajectory of journey-based novels throughout history. Furthermore, John McMurtrie has done an excellent job of editing and compiling the essays, creating a cohesive and structured collection that allows for undemanding rereads.

One of the only gripes with this work is the attention given to each account. While it makes sense for the book to pride quantity over quality, some excerpts could have been expanded upon, e.g. Jack Kerouac and his overall influence on the genre. This is understandable given the length of the book; however, perhaps it could have benefitted from being longer and more exhaustive, allowing more room to breathe for the genre-defining pieces. As such, it fails to add much to the existing literature on the topic as it simplifies for the sake of brevity. Though for a communal read, it does an excellent job of establishing a beginner-friendly account of core literature and suggestions for contemporary novels.

Literary Journeys is the perfect coffee table read for those who love literature. The quick bursts of anecdotal writing mean it can be picked up and dropped at the reader’s leisure. Being a strong reference guide as well, it complements the reading of the novels finely. Do not expect an exhaustive review, however. Literary Journeys can be used as a catalogue for journey-based storytelling, as well as being a great coffee table read. One thing is for certain, though: it is a book for lovers of fiction, by lovers of fiction.

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