Peter Jenkins (travel author)

Peter Jenkins (born April 5, 1951) is an American author and adventurer best known for his series of travel books detailing his cross-country trek across the United States on foot and by dog sled.

Jenkins began his journey in 1973 in Alfred, New York, with his dog, Cooper. His goal was to traverse the United States, and he documented his experiences and observations of American life and culture along the way. The journey, initially planned to be a relatively short exploration, ended up taking five years.

His first book, A Walk Across America (1979), became a bestseller and chronicled the first leg of his journey, detailing his experiences in small towns and encountering diverse individuals. It highlighted the kindness and generosity of strangers he met. The success of A Walk Across America led to subsequent books documenting different stages of his journey.

Later books include The Walk West: A Walk Across America 2, which details the second phase of his walk, and Along the Edge of America, which chronicles his travels by kayak and dogsled.

Jenkins' writing style is characterized by its personal and intimate tone. His work is often praised for its depiction of the American landscape and the people who inhabit it, providing a snapshot of the country during the 1970s. He has also been recognized for his contributions to travel literature and his promotion of outdoor adventure. Jenkins continues to write and lecture about his experiences and travels.