Erik Reece

I feel that marketing this book as a 'road trip' is a little misleading. The author does indeed report travelling around the sites of the utopian communities he discusses, but since most of them are no longer active, the bulk of the book is devoted to discussion of their past personalities and histories. The majority of the book is made up of reflections on the aims and outcomes of a variety of utopian communities. I found most parts interesting, some less so. If the reader is interested in alternative political thought and experiments, then they will probably find something to satisfy their curiosity. However, this is not in my opinion one of those travel books that consistently weaves the experiences of the author with the history of the places he visits. In sum, an interesting discussion of utopian communities, but not a great work of travel writing.… (altro)

Uneven. He's at his best when visiting the sites of these "utopian" communities, describing and explaining their histories, philosophies, trajectories and - in most cases - failures. He's also very good when interviewing the people still actively involved in one way or another with these efforts - they are smart, dedicated, engaging people who are devoting their personal lives to a sometimes uncomfortable, difficult ideal. But then there are self-indulgent diversions into his passion for Cincinnati Reds baseball, and some very dry economic theory. I liked parts of it, and if you're interested in the Shakers (a particularly interesting chapter), Thomas Merton, Josiah Warren, or the not-very-harmonious New Harmony, IN, it may be best to develop a knack for skimming.… (altro)

I feel that marketing this book as a 'road trip' is a little misleading. The author does indeed report travelling around the sites of the utopian communities he discusses, but since most of them are no longer active, the bulk of the book is devoted to discussion of their past personalities and histories. The majority of the book is made up of reflections on the aims and outcomes of a variety of utopian communities. I found most parts interesting, some less so. If the reader is interested in alternative political thought and experiments, then they will probably find something to satisfy their curiosity. However, this is not in my opinion one of those travel books that consistently weaves the experiences of the author with the history of the places he visits. In sum, an interesting discussion of utopian communities, but not a great work of travel writing.… (altro)