Old Glory

In Old Glory, Jonathan Raban embarks on a journey along the Mississippi River in a modest sixteen-foot motorboat, fulfilling a lifelong dream while creating a vivid tapestry of contemporary American travel writing. As he navigates the waterway, he captures the diverse lives and stories of those living along the banks, engaging in thoughtful discussions on topics like theology and race relations. Witty and insightful, Raban expertly reflects on the heartland's complex relationship with power, culture, and nostalgia, making this work a remarkable exploration of both the river and its surrounding communities.