John Egenes is the author of the bestselling memoir "Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America", which chronicles his 1974 journey across the United States with his horse, Gizmo. The book gained widespread recognition and was notably featured in the film "Barbie" starring Ryan Gosling. Egenes also penned "The Marfa Blues", a work inspired by his firsthand experiences riding freight trains and witnessing the enigmatic Marfa Lights. His writing blends adventure with introspection, drawing from a life rich in unconventional experiences.
Before establishing himself as an author, Egenes led a remarkably varied life, working as a musician, saddlemaker, submarine sailor, dog catcher, and taxicab driver, among other professions. Born and raised in California, he spent his youth hitchhiking and hopping freight trains across America, later settling in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he lived for over three decades. His writing reflects a deep connection to the American landscape and a penchant for storytelling rooted in personal trial and error.
Egenes now resides in New Zealand, continuing to draw from his eclectic background to craft narratives that resonate with readers. His works, particularly "Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America", have cemented his reputation as a writer who captures the spirit of adventure and the resilience of the human - and equine - spirit.