The Verge reviews Robert Moor’s ‘On Trails’ as a synthesis of science, history, and hiking

The Verge has published a review of Robert Moor’s book, On Trails: An Exploration, describing the work as a blend of hiking, science, and history. The review notes that the book examines how physical and conceptual paths, ranging from ant trails to the internet, influence various aspects of life. The reviewer highlights Moor’s ability to navigate shifting tones, moving from poetic reflections on nature to historical discussions on colonialism and technological concepts.

The prologue begins with Moor’s decision to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, but the narrative quickly expands beyond traditional travelogue territory. Chapter one focuses on Moor’s trip to Western Brook Pond in Newfoundland and broadly discusses the concept of wilderness. The reviewer notes that Moor’s talents as a writer are apparent from the outset, citing a passage where a storm pins him on a ridge, stripping the wild of its Romantic finery and revealing a separation between sublimity and horror.

On Trails moves beyond the expected subject matter to explore diverse topics, including ant trails, game trails, and fibre optic wires. The book also details Moor’s stint as a shepherd, with the reviewer noting his ability to seamlessly navigate shifting tones. One moment he is waxing poetic about the power of nature, the next he is spinning an anecdote about misplacing an entire flock of sheep with a comic’s sense of pacing, before turning philosophical about the damage done by colonialism.

The review highlights Moor’s skill in maintaining a compelling narrative despite swinging wildly from topic to topic. This includes exploring a proto-internet envisioned by engineer Vannevar Bush in 1945 and quoting poet Gary Snyder. The reviewer, who cites personal constraints such as having two young children and a bad back that prevent backpacking, states they often live vicariously through travel writing. They describe the book as compulsively readable and never feeling disjointed.

On Trails starts with the simple question of how the Appalachian Trail or any hiking trail formed, branching off into a thousand different tributaries to explore how the concept of trails helps us understand the world. While the book is available on most ebook stores, the reviewer highly recommends buying a physical copy at a local independent bookshop or supporting a local library. The source text includes a disclosure that Vox Media may earn a commission if items are purchased through Verge links.