Robert Moor

Robert Moor is an American journalist and author best known for his 2016 book "On Trails: An Exploration," which examines the science and history of trail-making across species and civilizations. After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2009, Moor spent seven years researching and writing about trails, exploring how paths are created by everything from insects to indigenous peoples to digital networks. His work on this subject earned him the Middlebury Fellowship in Environmental Journalism. His writing has appeared in numerous publications including New York Magazine, Harper's, GQ, and n+1. He has also contributed to This American Life and received several awards for his journalism, including the Middlebury Fellowship in Environmental Journalism and the Asian American Writers' Workshop Award. Moor's work often focuses on the intersection of nature, human behavior, and technology, exploring how these elements interact and shape our world. His approach combines personal narrative with deep research across multiple disciplines including biology, anthropology, and history.

Readers praise Moor's ability to weave scientific concepts with personal experiences. Reviews highlight his skill at connecting seemingly unrelated topics - from ant behavior to Cherokee trails to the internet. What readers liked: - Deep research across multiple disciplines - Clear explanations of complex ideas - Personal hiking stories that ground the concepts - Writing style that balances academic and accessible What readers disliked: - Some found the philosophical sections too abstract - Structure meanders between topics - A few readers wanted more focus on hiking experiences - Occasional technical segments slow the pace Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (380+ reviews) One reader noted: "Makes you think differently about every path you cross." Another criticized: "Gets lost in theoretical tangents when the trail stories are more compelling." The majority of reviews come from "On Trails" as it remains Moor's primary published work.

On Trails: An Exploration (2016) A nonfiction work examining the science and history of trails, from ant paths to hiking routes, drawing on biology, anthropology, and personal experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail.

In Trees (2024) An investigation into human relationships with trees, centered around the story of a Canadian activist who lived in a redwood tree for two years to prevent logging.

Bill Bryson writes about science, nature, and exploration through a mix of research and first-person experiences. His work "A Walk in the Woods" focuses on hiking and trail culture, similar to Moor's interests in paths and human movement through landscapes.

Rebecca Solnit examines human relationships with landscapes and the act of walking through philosophical and historical lenses. Her work "Wanderlust: A History of Walking" investigates themes of movement and connection that parallel Moor's explorations.

John McPhee combines deep geological knowledge with human stories about nature and land use. His book "Coming into the Country" demonstrates his method of weaving natural history with personal narratives about people's connections to place.

Barry Lopez writes about the intersection of natural landscapes and human culture through direct observation and research. His work "Arctic Dreams" shows his focus on how geography shapes human experience and understanding.

Annie Dillard observes and documents natural phenomena while connecting them to broader philosophical questions. Her book "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" demonstrates her practice of using specific natural details to explore larger themes about existence and meaning.