Books by William Ross Newland

I want to walk on roads that have been walked by a million feet and add mine to the multitude. I want to think about the fact that each step carried the hopes or prayers or perhaps just the distracted thoughts of millions of pilgrims dating back to the ninth century.Many books cover Santiago de Compostela, the medieval pilgrimage route through northern Spain. Distinguishing itself, William Ross Newland's Tales of the Camino provides historical context alongside a deeply personal perspective and lifelong love for Spain.Along the trail, he meets and relates the tales of modern-day fellow pilgrims, which are in turns both comic and moving. Each pilgrim has an intention, be it religious or deeply personal, of lost loves and relatives, of hopes and prayers for renewal or thanks. You'll find yourself immersed and fascinated with Newland's journey in this moving, thought-provoking, and culturally rich travel memoir.

Most people are blissfully unaware of the origins of their food, but not William Ross Newland.Fascinated by culinary anthropology and having a chronic love affair with new flavors and textures, Newland travels the world discovering culinary wonders that often took centuries to matriculate through Arab conquest. His favorite? The street food and comfort food eaten by locals on a daily basis.For Newland, food is much more than eating. It is about planning, cooking, and sharing. Food is the centerpiece while human interaction generated by the meal is the main event.Follow this short narrative to some of Newland's favorite recipes -- flavors that began in the Fertile Crescent, spread throughout the Mediterranean during the Ottoman Empire, and went on to Spain and eventually Mexico. Enjoy!