Literary Connecticut: The Hartford Wits, Mark Twain and the New Millennium

by Eric D. Lehman, Amy Nawrocki

From the father of American English to the most famous novelist in America, Connecticut has produced and inspired a dazzling array of literary talent. Discover the secret passage to James Merrill's study in Stonington or navigate Hartford's Nook Farm neighborhood--a home and hub of inspiration to Harriet Beecher Stowe, Mark Twain and William Gillette. As an adult, Helen Keller's stomping grounds were the woods and gardens of Easton, while Eugene O'Neill's childhood home in New London found its way into the pages of his greatest work. These authors drove the same roads, frequented the same taverns and read the same books as the nutmeggers of today. Explore Connecticut's literary landscape with Eric D. Lehman and Amy Nawrocki as they introduce readers to some of the greatest writers who found a home in the Constitution State.

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2014

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I skimmed it once, quickly, on the plane home from Hartford, and then read it again, slowly, as we prepare for our move to Connecticut this summer. It made me want to read so many more books! It was very inspiring in that way. I loved that this book is so totally current -- just published this year (2014) and includes lots of contemporary references (to people and things like Elizabeth Gilbert, the Sandy Hook tragic events, and the Sunken Poetry Festival). Lots of people, books, places, and stories I will be looking up in the months and years to come. Thanks for getting me more inspired about our move to Connecticut, Eric and Amy, for encouraging me to "get to know my neighbors," and for introducing me to the centuries of literary community in which we will be steeped.

[Karen April Vantangoli · Rating 1 out of 5]

It could have been good. It was not.

A name dropping smattering of nonsense. There are surely some bits of trivia here, but the whole thing reeks of an item thrown together in a rush. The time wasted on this May never be reclaimed.

Though my review may seem a bit too strong, it is entirely true. The writers of this brief history missed the mark and unfortunately time was wasted slogging through what should have been an opportunity for enlightenment. My only solace comes from the fact that I read the book through the library, so my pockets are none the poorer from this slide into drivel.

[Nick Vantangoli · Rating 1 out of 5]

A name dropping smattering of nonsense. There are surely some bits of trivia here, but the whole thing reeks of an item thrown together in a rush. The time wasted on this may never be reclaimed.

Though my review may seem a bit too strong, it is entirely true. The writers of this brief history missed the mark and unfortunately time was wasted slogging through what should have been an opportunity for enlightenment. My only solace comes from the fact that I read the book through the library, so my pockets are none the poorer from this slide into drivel.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative overview of the lives and work of dozens of Connecticut writers. A good resource for discovering who you want to read next!

[Gloria E Meunier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Kerouac in West Haven?!