A Long Road Home: In the footsteps of the WPA writers

by Geoffrey O'Gara

Retraces the steps of the writers for the Federal Writers' Project during the 1930s, looks at the changes that have taken place, and includes quotations and photos from the original guides

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Faye Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 1930s, the New Deal Program sent indigent writers across the country to compile a series of guides to the states. The author’s fascination with the America of the past leads him on a cross country journey to explore areas covered in some of these guides. 50 years after the guides were produced, the author compares the areas as they were then and and the changes over the years. In some cases, he was able to contact people who had been interviewed for the original guides, or members of their faimilies. Rather than dry facts, he dug into the heart of the communities, taking part in day to day activities, including hurricane evacuation, and, in the process of his journey, came to know more about himself and his own past. I envy the opportunities he had to “get real” and tell the stories of these communities. Well done!

[Mw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I particularly enjoyed reading about the places I had lived or visited, learning bits of history,
enjoying the quotes. Some of the writing is quite fine.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was a disapointment. It reminded me of the FWP travel guides which I had long been interested in, but never pursued. Purchased the Arkansas guide recently.