Readings of Chatwin"s work examining themes of fiction, nomadism, and Chatwin as a cult figure, whilst seeing his writing as thematically coherent. Drawing on recent criticism, this study questions some of the assumptions about travel writing and sees thematic coherence in Chatwin"s work. Chapters deal with the way in which Chatwin"s literary influences, such as Flaubert, combine with his background and training in art and archaeology, to appear as triumphant display throughout his work, including fiction, journalism and travel writing. From his early success with the innovative In Patagonia, to the best-seller The Songlines and into the posthumous publications, this study deals with ideas of travel, nomadism, collecting, and the development of Chatwin"s style and subject matter. It also discusses the role of the Chatwin persona in the reception of his work, and the use of "Bruce," the first person narrator that underlines the Chatwin myth. Finally, the book addresses Chatwin studies for the future and looks at the impact that the imminent release of his famous moleskin notebooks will have.