Routes of Man by Ted Conover

Routes of Man is a non-fiction book by Ted Conover that explores how roads, especially in rapidly changing countries, are contested boundary lines where the demands of the environment, traditional cultures, educational opportunity, and industrial progress collide.

The book takes readers on a journey along six roads that have reshaped or are reshaping the world, including roads in the Amazon, Ladakh (India), Kenya (East Africa), the West Bank (Palestine), China, and Lagos (Nigeria). Each road is presented with a theme, such as development vs. the environment, isolation vs. progress, military occupation, transmission of disease, social transformation, and the future of the city.

Through his travels, Conover shows that not all connections are necessarily good and that building roads can have unintended consequences. He explores questions such as what does connectedness mean and how do roads impact the environment, indigenous cultures, and human health.

The book also delves into the history of roads and travel routes in general, highlighting the importance of good roads while acknowledging the destruction they can cause.

What I Liked

I love all of Conover’s books. He does an interesting form of travel book. Instead of just, “I went here, and this happened”, he frames his trips around a general theme. I like it.

What I Did Not Like

Nothing – solid book.

Routes of Man by Ted Conover

$1.16

In Routes of Man, Ted Conover takes us on a fascinating journey along six significant roads in various parts of the world, exploring how they influence cultures, environments, and communities. I appreciate how Conover frames his travels around themes like development versus the environment and military occupation, rather than just recounting his experiences. He raises important questions about connectivity and its impact, showing that roads can bring both opportunity and destruction. Honestly, I loved this book—there's nothing I’d change. If you enjoy travel writing that goes deeper, this is definitely worth a read.

Pros:

• Conover's unique thematic approach to travel writing is engaging.
• The exploration of complex issues surrounding roads is thought-provoking.
• The book provides a diverse range of locations and perspectives.

Cons:

• Nothing - solid book.

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01/14/2025 09:08 pm GMT