The Last American Man

At the age of seventeen, Eustace Conway left his suburban existence to live in the wild--thirty years later, he's still there...

The Last American Man is the true story of Eustace Conway, an unforgettable American original. For more than thirty years, Conway has made his home in the Appalachian Mountains, mastering the art of self-sufficient living. Over decades, he has evolved from an idealistic nature-lover (who made fire with sticks and wore animal skins) into a seasoned and wary environmentalist/businessman (who must hammer out a reluctant truce with contemporary American reality). In exploring Conway's life, acclaimed novelist and memoirist Elizabeth Gilbert weaves a fascinating adventure story about a truly epic, but thoroughly modern, American hero. As she thoughtfully examines Conway and all he embodies, the iconography of American manhood comes alive in all its conflicting elements of inventiveness, charisma, narcissism, and intimacy.

"A vigorous, engaging book...Without compromising her obvious admiration, Ms. Gilbert presents a warts-and-all portrait of Mr. Conway and a sophisticated understanding of why those warts are only natural." - The New York Times

"Gilbert artfully taps into this unique life to create a fascinating, deeply-thought-out and enthralling narrative." - Los Angeles Times

"A vivid, nuanced portrait of an endlessly complicated man." - San Francisco Chronicle