Into The Badlands: Travels Through Urban America - John Williams

Into the Badlands: Travels Through Urban America by John Williams is a compelling blend of travelogue, literary criticism, and cultural exploration. Published in 1991, the book chronicles Williams's journey across the United States in 1989, where he interviews prominent American crime writers and delves into the urban landscapes that inspire their work.

Williams, a British author, embarks on a cross-country trip, traversing the southern states from east to west and returning via the northern route. Along the way, he engages with a diverse group of crime writers, including Elmore Leonard, Sara Paretsky, Andrew Vachss, Carl Hiaasen, James Lee Burke, James Crumley, Joe Gores, James Hall, Gar Anthony Haywood, George V. Higgins, Tony Hillerman, Eugene Izzi, Joseph Koenig, and Nick Tosches . These conversations provide insights into the authors' perspectives on crime, society, and the cities they depict in their narratives.

The book offers a vivid portrayal of urban America, capturing the gritty realities of city life and the complexities of the American dream. Williams's observations are filtered through his own interests and experiences, providing a unique outsider's perspective on American culture . His journey takes readers through various urban settings, from the frozen yogurt parlors of San Francisco to the bars of Missoula, Montana .

Into the Badlands is not just a collection of interviews; it's a reflection on the societal undercurrents that shape crime fiction and the urban environments that serve as their backdrop. Williams's narrative weaves together personal anecdotes, cultural critiques, and literary discussions, offering readers a multifaceted view of America through the lens of its crime writers.

For those interested in crime literature, urban studies, or American culture, Into the Badlands provides a thought-provoking exploration of the intersections between place, narrative, and societal issues.

Small creases in the cover.