Title: Education of a Wandering Man
Author: Louis L’Amour
First published November 1, 1989
272 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553286526 (ISBN10: 0553286528)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
Louis L’Amour’s Education of a Wandering Man is a fascinating memoir that chronicles his journey from a young boy who left school at fifteen to explore the world. This book takes you on a journey through his life as a hobo on the Southern Pacific Railroad, as a cattle skinner in Texas, as a merchant seaman in Singapore and the West Indies, and as an itinerant bare-knuckled prizefighter across small-town America.
Through his love of learning, Louis met some remarkable men and women who helped shape him as a storyteller and as a man. Education of a Wandering Man is a captivating tale of frontier drama, true-life characters, and Louis’ desperate efforts to survive a sudden two-day trek across the blazing Mojave desert.
This book is a story of a one-of-a-kind life lived to the fullest, a life that inspired the books that will forever enable us to relive our glorious frontier heritage.
About the Author
Louis Dearborn L’Amour was a renowned American author who specialized in Western fiction. Even after his passing, his books continue to captivate readers and have gone through countless printings.
At the time of his death, a staggering 101 of his works, which included 86 novels, 14 collections of short stories, and one nonfiction book, were still in circulation. It’s no wonder he was known as “one of the world’s most popular writers.”
Editoral Review
Education of a Wandering Man by Louis L’Amour is a memoir by the renowned American author, detailing his early life and career as a nomad and self-educated man. L’Amour is best known for his Western novels, but this book is a departure from his fictional works, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into his life and adventures.
In this memoir, L’Amour recounts his extensive travels, including his experiences working on ships, mining camps, and cattle ranches. He also shares his passion for reading and learning, as he spent many hours enjoying books in different languages, from classic literature to pulp fiction.
The book is divided into chapters that chronicle different periods of L’Amour’s life, with each chapter providing a snapshot of his unique experiences, observations, and insights. The memoir takes the reader on a global journey, as L’Amour recounts encounters with people from different cultures and backgrounds, including Native Americans and Asian scholars.
One of the strengths of this book is its authenticity. L’Amour’s voice is genuine and compelling, and his prose is highly evocative, painting vivid pictures of the places he visited and the people he encountered.
His reflections on the importance of education and the value of exploration are inspiring and insightful. Another strength of this book is its relevance today.
Despite being published over thirty years ago, Education of a Wandering Man speaks to many contemporary issues, from the importance of self-directed learning in an era of standardized education to the need for tolerance and understanding in a diverse society.
However, there are some limitations to this book.
The memoir can feel disjointed at times, as L’Amour jumps from one anecdote to another without much connection. Additionally, some readers may find the author’s portrayal of Native Americans and Asians to be stereotypical or one-dimensional.
Overall, Education of a Wandering Man is a captivating memoir that will appeal to anyone interested in adventure, self-discovery, and learning. While it may not be for everyone, it is a rich and rewarding read that will leave a lasting impression.
Recommendation: This book is best suited for readers who enjoy memoirs, travel writing, or Western fiction. Anyone interested in history, education, or exploring new perspectives will also find it to be a compelling read.
