Picture an American adventurer who swapped a desk for a covered wagon, weaving history and heart into unforgettable tales—meet Rinker Buck! A journalist-turned-author, Buck’s immersive non-fiction blends gritty travelogues with deep dives into America’s past, capturing the pioneer spirit with a storyteller’s flair. His bestseller, The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey, redefined how we see the iconic route, and his knack for living history makes every page pulse with life.
Born in 1950, Buck’s journey from newsrooms to literary fame is as bold as his cross-country treks. With a pen as sharp as a mule’s kick, he’s carved a unique niche in American literature, inviting readers to ride shotgun through the heart of the nation’s story.
The Making of Rinker Buck
Rinker Buck was born on December 29, 1950, in Morristown, New Jersey, the fourth of eleven children in a lively, unconventional family. Raised on a ramshackle horse farm, he grew up under the influence of his father, Thomas Francis Buck, a political activist and publisher for Look Magazine. Adventure was in his blood early on— at 15, he and his brother Kernahan restored a 1948 Piper Cub and flew it across America, a daring feat that became the heart of his 1997 memoir, Flight of Passage. After graduating from Bowdoin College, Buck dove into journalism, starting at the Berkshire Eagle in 1973 and later becoming a longtime staff writer for the Hartford Courant. His early career, steeped in gritty reporting for outlets like Vanity Fair and Life, honed his knack for vivid storytelling.
Rinker Buck’s Unforgettable Stories
Buck’s books are more than narratives— they’re time machines. His 2015 bestseller, The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey, chronicles his 2011 quest to retrace the 2,000-mile Oregon Trail in a mule-drawn covered wagon with his brother Nick and a spunky Jack Russell terrier, Olive Oyl. The book weaves their misadventures—dodging thunderstorms, fixing broken axles—with rich historical insights about the 400,000 pioneers who shaped America’s westward expansion. Critics hailed it as a “laugh-out-loud masterpiece” for its blend of humor, history, and heart.
Earlier, Flight of Passage captured Buck’s teenage cross-country flight, a coming-of-age tale lauded by The New Yorker as a “funny, cocky gem.” His other works, like First Job, reflect on his early days as a cub reporter, while Life on the Mississippi explores America’s river-faring past through another audacious journey. Buck’s style is immersive, blending meticulous research with raw, personal experiences, making history feel as alive as the dust on his wagon wheels.
His storytelling thrives on contrasts—his cautious nature versus Nick’s thrill-seeking bravado, or the romanticized West versus its brutal realities. Buck’s prose sparkles with down-to-earth metaphors, like comparing Conestoga wagons to the “semi-trucks of the 1800s,” making complex history accessible and fun.
Why Rinker Buck Matters
Rinker Buck’s work resonates because it bridges past and present, reminding us of the restless spirit that defines America. His books don’t just recount history—they relive it, offering a front-row seat to the triumphs and struggles of ordinary people who shaped a nation. By tackling epic journeys himself, Buck revives forgotten stories, from trailblazing pioneers to mule traders, earning accolades like the PEN New England Award and the Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Writing Award. His participatory approach has inspired readers to see history as a living, breathing adventure, not a dusty textbook.
In a world of fleeting trends, Buck’s commitment to slow, deliberate exploration—whether by wagon or plane—offers a refreshing antidote. His stories celebrate resilience, curiosity, and the joy of discovery, making him a vital voice in contemporary non-fiction.
- Born: December 29, 1950, Morristown, New Jersey
- Key Works: The Oregon Trail, Flight of Passage, First Job, Life on the Mississippi
- Awards: PEN New England Award, Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Writing Award, Society of Professional Journalists Sigma Delta Chi Award
- Fun Fact: Buck’s 2011 Oregon Trail journey was the first covered wagon crossing in over a century!
Snag The Oregon Trail and hop aboard Rinker Buck’s wild, history-soaked ride through America’s heartland!