Slow Road to Brownsville

A Journey Through the Heart of the Old West.

Review quotes

‘Reynolds … rides off, a lone English ranger, into a historical North American hinterland that exists as much in mythical reference as in modern reality. … Ride shotgun with Reynolds as he pit-stops at diners and gas stations, and detours by way of legendary landmarks, where he reflectively enjoys cracker-barrel wisdom, saloon-bar wit, and good-ol’ country wackiness.’—Iain Finlayson, The Times

‘[Reynolds] is the perfect man for the route … There might be kicks on Route 66, but there is gentle enlightenment along 83.’— Anthony Sattin, Observer

‘Vividly conjures a middle America of meat-packing plants, railroad tracks and grassy ranchlands. A likeable and learned guide, Reynolds writes with characteristic grace … illuminating, elegantly written travelogue’—Ian Thomson, Financial Times

‘Immensely illuminating and enjoyable … Books like [Reynolds’s] prove that good travel writing remains not only very much alive, but essential.’—Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller

‘A fascinating tale … told with great aplomb. … I’ve been enjoying his book no end.’—Robert Elms, BBC Radio London

‘does for Route 83 what Marco Polo did for the Silk Road.’—The Reverend Richard Coles, Saturday Live, BBC Radio 4

‘A great travelogue and history lesson as an open-eyed and adventurous Englishman makes his way down Highway 83.’—Willy Vlautin, author of The Free

‘I really loved this book. … I can recommend [it] to anyone interested in real America… It is also a great travelogue, easily in the same league with Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley…’—Gregor Swiderek, Stanford’s website

Photos Click to enlarge

Durban, Manitoba, where, in the 1900s, the ‘bachelors’ lived in huts

more photos to come