Great Beach-John Hay

Stephen Graham tramped extensively around pre-revolutionary Russia, and with immigrants as they landed on the East coast of America and spread West. This book, published in 1926, is his practical guide to this mode of touring/travel. It is also a philosophical account of our desire to connect with nature, Ralph Waldo Emerson style. A prolific writer, Graham describes his love of nature, and his dislike of industrialization. Encouraging people to take up 'tramping' for pleasure (as opposed to vagabonding or homelessness), Graham offers practical tips and insights into travelling safely, with as much ease as possible, that are still applicable today. He hoped that his simple but beautifully written guide would ignite a love for nature and seeing the world, even on a shoestring budget; entertain readers with his often humorous observations and tales; and encourage other tramps to keep journals and share their adventures. (Summary by Michele Fry)