The Crossway (Hardback)

'A sublime, intense, and intimate account of a journey that becomes a kind of dream in search of solace and, perhaps, even a kind of faith. As the author walks on, across a continent, through history, time, the natural and human world - and the spaces in between - it is hard not to believe you are there, by his side. Beautifully written, filled with strange encounters and extraordinary language, The Crossway is a meditation, an escape, a confrontation, a losing and a finding. It is a timely antidote to our disconnected times.' - Philip Hoare, author of Leviathan

'The journey is remarkable - a hike of thousands of miles across Europe, undertaken with rare bravery and stamina. But what is really extraordinary about Guy Stagg's The Crossway is the writing - acutely sensitive, hyper-alert and unflagging in its exploration of the strange depths and by-ways of human belief' - Philip Marsden, author of Rising Ground

'I loved it. Odd that a journey made to find salvation (a kind of 5,500 kilometre Stations of the Cross taking almost a year to walk) should turn out to be such a page turner. The reason is Stagg himself - an engaging, challenging, endlessly interesting companion who just happens to write formidably well. Travel writing has a bright new star.' - Alexander Frater, author of Chasing the Monsoon

'Guy Stagg makes a pilgrimage across Europe, into history and, most powerfully, the (troubled) interior of his soul. He takes us on a journey full of wonder and woe, poetry and pain; writing in prose that's as sure-footed as it is unsettling in its honesty. A brave and beautiful account of a man's search for meaning' - Rhidian Brook, author of The Aftermath

'The extraordinary story of a pilgrimage to find out the meaning of pilgrimage. Completely absorbing, personal, often funny, and full of fascinating encounters - an enlightening book from an exciting new writer.' - Sarah Bakewell, author of At The Existentialist Cafe

'Behind the cliche of the most important journey in life being the one taken inside oneself lies a timeless and powerful and vital truth: that the goal of such a quest, with all its anguish and revelation and excruciating realisations, is a place of great and lasting calm. This is the core of Guy Stagg's necessary and beautiful book.' - Niall Griffiths, author of Grits

'What a privilege it's been to read this compelling and moving book, to travel with a writer who records everything he sees and feels with such care and passion. The writing is beautiful and his voice so engaging, so unflinchingly honest, throughout. I finished The Crossway and just wanted the author to keep walking.' - James Macdonald Lockhart, author of Raptor