New Release
Ghostland America is a stunning collection of James Calemine’s color photographs, some never before seen, accompanied by evocative musings on the eerily beautiful landscapes and dilapidated yet compelling buildings, signs and vehicles that illuminate this road trip.
Travel along the South’s old highways, from coastal villages and swamps, through the rural glory of the plains, to the rustic majesty of the Appalachians.
The images and words deliver an earthbound, joyful, sometimes desolate and thought-provoking experience.
Praise for Ghostland America
“Cool morning down in Mississippi today and checking out James Calemine’s awesome photos in his new book ‘Ghostland America.’ Beautiful, haunting and gritty, and right down my alley. Great inspiration for all southern writers!”
–Ace Atkins, New York Times Bestselling Author
“James Calemine gets that culture can be found in a roadside stand just as much as in a big city museum. Ghostland America celebrates the beauty of ghost motels that are scrapbook memories of vacations long past, the lost gourd stands and rusting skeletons of abandoned cars. For all you roadies out there full of wanderlust, this is the book for you.“
– Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey’s
“From no-tell motels to Flannery O’Connor’s farm… James Calemine will take you along for an amazing ride in Ghostland America. It’s as much a tribute to the soul of the South as it is to the freedom of the road. Turn off your phone and enjoy the scenery.”
–Brian Brown, Photographer / Founder of Vanishing Georgia
Other Books
About James
A prolific author of essays, interviews and his signature dispatches, Calemine’s writing has been featured in The Bitter Southerner, South Magazine, Georgia Trend, Paste and many other publications as well as photography work for BBC/America. In 2017, South Magazine called Calemine one of the “Eleven of the Greatest Photographers in the South.
He resides on the Georgia Coast.
Current Dispatch
On The Beach: Topanga Ranch Motel
UPDATE: The Topanga Ranch Motel burned down in the L.A fires during January 2025. Built in 1929 by William Randolph Hearst, the abandoned Topanga Ranch Motel remains located across the street from Topanga Beach. This bungalow-style motor court contained thirty rooms...