The “buddy” trip is an iconic part of Americana. It might be a shopping or theater excursion to New York City, a golf trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, or one of many other possible adventures. Perhaps it once conjured up visions of a group of men enjoying themselves without their spouses, but that is no longer the case.

Jeff Guinn’s THE VAGABONDS is an enjoyable account of a long-ago “buddy” trip that became an annual adventure by several industrial giants of American business. From 1914 to 1925, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and tire tycoon Harvey Firestone, joined by naturalist John Burroughs, explored the blossoming roadways of America, traveling to various locations and meeting citizens across the nation. In this lighthearted but detailed history of Ford and Edison, Guinn, an award-winning investigative journalist and historian, has put both of those writing talents to good use, creating a charming account of America in the early 20th century.

"THE VAGABONDS is a wonderful biography and historical narrative.... As you journey on your summer road trip, Guinn’s engaging work may be the perfect accompaniment to your trip, wherever your destination may be."

Any reader who has ever traveled around or across America by car can appreciate what Guinn has captured in THE VAGABONDS. Growing up, I have vivid memories of driving around Lake Michigan, venturing across the border to visit family in Canada, and other car journeys. As a father, I recall fondly a lengthy road trip to South Dakota and then to Winnipeg with my family. They were wonderful. Ford and Edison undertook their trips hoping to do more than see the sights of our nation. They were on a mission to improve and encourage automobile travel in America. They were leading by example.

When they began their journey, America had not yet constructed the vast interstate highway system that would forever change automobile travel. Hotels, fast food franchises and even gas stations had not appeared on American roads. And those roads were often unpaved and treacherous. Ford and Edison did not travel with a Garmin or a Motor Club guide, but they did have a caravan of Ford automobiles and an entourage of chefs, butlers and other aides. And everywhere they traveled, they were met by journalists and throngs of citizens eager to see in public these two giants of industry.

On their first journey, to the Florida Everglades, a complication arose. Edison’s second wife, Mina, announced that she intended to accompany the men on their trip. Not a traditional 19th-century housewife, she insisted on being called a “home executive” and expected to be consulted by her husband on important non-laboratory matters. The Florida trip qualified, and several women, including Clara Ford, embarked with their male companions on their maiden journey, which included the Everglades and less-than-idyllic conditions. Apparently, the ladies were not enamored and declined to join their husbands on future excursions.

Each year with one exception is chronicled by Guinn in an enjoyable and easily read travelogue. In 1917, the trip was canceled due to Edison and Ford’s involvement with war-related work. Beyond these escapades, Guinn provides readers with colorful and insightful portraits of these two giants of American industry. They were on different career trajectories as Edison struggled to develop new scientific ideas, while Ford, due to the success of his Model T, found his reputation in America rising. Ford’s trips across America whetted his political appetite, but his anti-Semitism damaged his hopes of running for office.

THE VAGABONDS is a wonderful biography and historical narrative. It reminds us of bygone eras and a changing America when the landscape of our nation was forever impacted by the invention and production of the automobile. As you journey on your summer road trip, Guinn’s engaging work may be the perfect accompaniment to your trip, wherever your destination may be.