An increasingly popular genre – addressing issues of empire, colonialism, post-colonialism, globalization, gender and politics – travel writing offers the reader a movement between the familiar and the unknown. In this volume, Carl Thompson: introduces the genre, outlining competing definitions and key debates - provides a broad historical survey from the medieval period to the present day - explores the autobiographical dimensions of the form - looks at both men and women’s travel writing, surveying a range of canonical and more marginal works, drawn from both the colonial and postcolonial era - utilises both British and American travelogues to consider the genre's role in shaping the history of both nations. Concise and practical, Travel Writing is the ideal introduction for those new to the subject, as well as a crucial overview of current debates in the field. "Given the popularity of travel studies and the quality of Thompson's effort, this book seems likely to become required reading for those interested in the genre. Summing Up: Highly recommended." - P. A. Riggle, Truman State University in CHOICE "...a really exceptional introduction to the genre ... as exhaustive in its coverage as it is scrupulous in its analysis of the different forms and effects of travel writing." Robert Spencer, University of Manchester, Journal of Postcolonial Writing, 48.4 "This is an outstanding volume, cogently argued and intelligently illustrated. It is a highly recommended introduction for those curious about the subject, but will also constitute for those already familiar with the field a refreshing engagement with, and firm intervention in, contemporary scholarship on the form." Charles Forsdick, University of Liverpool, Studies in Travel Writing 17.1 "Carl Thompson’s Travel Writing is a concise, informative, and helpful introduction to the genre and the practice of travel writing study. Thompson offers a lucid and skillful orientation to the genre (introduction and chapter 1). The rich intellectual landscape he paints shows that travel writing scholarship deserves greater recognition than previously credited." Ryota Nishino, University of the South Pacific Carl Thompson is Senior Lecturer in English at Nottingham Trent University.