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Cover of Roughing it De Luxe

Roughing it De Luxe

Written by Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb

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American wit and humorCaliforniaGrand Canyon (Ariz.)

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About this book

"Roughing It De Luxe" by Irvin S. Cobb is a humorous travel narrative written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles a train journey to the Grand Canyon, blended with sharp observations about the eccentric personalities traveling alongside the author and the allure of the American Southwest. Cobb's sharp wit and engaging style provide readers with a lively account of his experiences, particularly the absurdities of modern tourism and the grandeur of the landscapes encountered. At the start of the narrative, the author reflects on the immense challenge of describing the Grand Canyon, stating that most who attempt to do so fail. He introduces a colorful mix of characters traveling in his train car, including a distinguished surgeon, a honeymooning couple, and a nervous corn-doctor, each adding to the traveler's amusement. As they journey, Cobb humorously captures their collective excitement, concerns, and absurdities, leading up to their long-awaited arrival at the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon. The beginning sets the tone for a delightful exploration of nature, travel, and the often ridiculous behaviors of tourists.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Roughing it De Luxe, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • observational
  • witty

Irvin S. Cobb's "Roughing It De Luxe" is a delightful early 20th-century humorous travel narrative chronicling a luxurious train journey to the Grand Canyon. Through the author's sharp wit and keen observational skills, the book captures the eccentricities of his fellow passengers and the burgeoning phenomenon of modern tourism. Cobb masterfully juxtaposes the awe-inspiring grandeur of the American Southwest, particularly the Grand Canyon, with the often-absurd behaviors and trivial concerns of the travelers. The narrative begins with Cobb's humorous reflection on the futility of adequately describing the Grand Canyon, setting the stage for a lively exploration of human nature amidst majestic landscapes. Ultimately, it offers a charming and insightful look at travel, human interaction, and the challenge of experiencing the sublime.

“To describe the Grand Canyon is to confess one's utter inadequacy before the mightiest spectacle of nature.”

Key themes

The Sublime of Nature vs. Human Folly
A central tension of the book is the stark contrast between the immense, awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the often-petty, self-important, or comically inadequate reactions of the human characters. Cobb uses this juxtaposition to highlight both the power of nature and the inherent limitations and absurdities of human perception and behavior.
The Absurdity of Modern Tourism
Cobb humorously highlights the paradox of 'roughing it de luxe,' where the pursuit of natural grandeur is packaged and commodified, leading to often-absurd behaviors among tourists. He observes the collective excitement, the trivial concerns, and the often-inadequate reactions of individuals attempting to consume a sublime experience.
Human Nature and Social Observation
Cobb's keen eye for human behavior and character types is a cornerstone of the book's appeal. He masterfully sketches a diverse array of individuals, revealing their quirks, vanities, anxieties, and hidden charms. The confined space of the train car acts as a microcosm of society, allowing for an intimate study of human interaction under specific conditions.

Worth discussing

How does Cobb's initial reflection on the impossibility of describing the Grand Canyon shape the reader's experience of the journey?

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