Reimagining emulative journeys: from classical texts to contemporary travel writing in the digital age.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter explores the past and present-day sociological phenomenon of emulation in travel literature and highlights the new features of the contemporary version of this literary trope. The chapter first examines different perspectives on and terminology adopted in reference to this following-in-footsteps tradition and revisits the journeys of the quintessential early explorer texts. Contemporary reimaginings are explored thereafter; first, in relation to modern concerns and socio-cultural perspectives, and second, regarding new multimedia and online technologies, and how each of these have affected the emulative journey writing tradition. The chapter concludes with a summary of the significant issues for contemporary travel writers and points to potential areas for future research.