Literary Trail of Greater Boston: A Tour of Sites in Boston, Cambridge and Concord

by Susan Wilson

A unique travelor's guide to Boston's Literary Trail takes readers on a tour of three centuries of literary achievement, from Cotton Mather to John Updike, and reveals why the region was such a haven for the likes of Thoreau, Sylvia Plath, and Robert Frost. Reprint.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, History, Books About Books, Literature

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 1999

About the author

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Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a small treasure for fans who like books about books and for fans of historic Boston. The book is packaged as a tour guide of all the literary sites in Boston, Cambridge and Concord. But, at its heart, it's a book about books and the writers who wrote them. So - it's my kind of book. I admit that the first 10 or 15 pages started slow with descriptions of the very early years and the heart of the city...Stop here for a look at this library and turn here for a view of the first publishing house...That was fine, but the guide really hit its stride with little tidbits of the life and times of the writers, their friends, their parties, their ailments and their accomplishments.

The book covers a very wide range of authors and sites, including some of America's most prominent writers, including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Louisa May Alcott, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, as well as writers from more recent times, such as David McCullough, John Irving, e. e. cummings and John Irving. Excerpts of poems, letters and books are included, along with small paragraphs provided by writers describing their appreciation of writers who came before them. I was particularly impressed by the short summary written by David McCollough on the impact of the work of historian Francis Parkman (who I had never heard of before I read this book).

Of course, this book may feel a little dated, because it was written 20 years ago. Directions and maps have most likely changed considerably. So, you wouldn't want to rely on the map details without checking other sources. The index is quite useful but the list of web sites provided as a reference have also probably changed. For comparison purposes and further reference, I found a web site at http://bostonlitdistrict.org/map that lists 89 points of interest. In my view, the book provides a much fuller description of each location and the writers worth noting. I would recommend using he two sources together.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read books about books and anyone who is planning to take a trip to the Boston area. I was in Boston for a weekend this summer and I was hoping to have already completed this book before I went. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish the book in time, but I do have ideas for places to visit next time. This book is a good reference for anyone who wants to explore and appreciate Boston, which has managed to maintain its beautiful historical buildings, homes, libraries and parks while staying modern and contemporary.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided some interesting information about literary greats from Boston, Cambridge, and Concord, Mass. The info is organized into neighborhood walking tours that may be helpful on an upcoming trip.

[missy jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book led me to the house where E.E. Cummings grew up in Cambridge! Can't ask for more than that...

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a slightly older book but, I still found some interesting places to visit on our trip.