Traveling Literary America: A Complete Guide to Literary Landmarks

by B.J. Welborn

Readers and travelers are guided to more than 200 homes and historic sites of America’s greatest writers—from the Jack London Ranch in northern California to William Faulkner’s home in Oxford, Mississippi. Clear driving directions and visitor instructions are combined with unique tidbits about each site and author, such as the story of Jack London’s custom-made furniture and the roll top desk and Dictaphone on display in his study. Literary enthusiasts are guided to the site of Thoreau’s bean field, where they can poke around an exact replica of his cabin. They can drop in on Margaret Mitchell’s recently restored Atlanta apartment or visit John Steinbeck’s haunts in the cozy California seaside town of Pacific Grove. This family-oriented, user-friendly guide teaches literary folk about writers' work, their philosophies, and the forces that compelled them to write. All 50 states are represented, and the literary sites are divided by geographic regions.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

518 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to visit many of the places in this book and read more of these authors. A couple: Edgar Allen Poe, Zane Grey home on Catalina island , Jack London, John Muir, John Steinbeck.

I seem to be looking at CA locations. I think due to being tired of winter.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the information in the book interesting. It is like a travel guide book but more enjoyable. The book is broken down into sections such southeast, central, etc. Entries include places an author has lived or was born/died, the place where a novel or such was penned, or where you can visit a museum. It includes relevant info such as directions, if it cost (but not how much), further reading, other things in the area, background and tips. There are a few sketches of several places included.
Very well done.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

C. and I are taking a brief road trip to Mass. and NY in August, and I'm trying to plan fun stops that aren't too far apart. Right now I'm thinking Dickinson's house in Amherst, Walden Pond/Concord, and The Mount (Edith Wharton's house) in Lenox.

Do any of you in the Northeast have suggestions?

******

This book was incredibly helpful, esp. with directions and the "Hot Tips" and "The Best Stuff" section. My favorite stop was the Old Manse!

[Georgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mom is awesome!!!