Bad Land: An American Romance by Jonathan Raban

This book is a historical exploration of the American West, specifically the region of Eastern Montana. The author delves into the experiences of the British and Scandinavian settlers who were lured to this area in the early 20th century by railroad advertisements promising fertile farmland. Through a combination of historical research, personal narratives, and travelogue-style observations, the author paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities these settlers faced, including drought, isolation, and economic hardship. The book also reflects on the lasting impact of these experiences on the region's culture and identity.

The 8951st greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 42

Since this book was first published in 1996, there is a penalty of 35.2%. The age adjusted score is 27.22.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.