Novel Destinations: Literary Landmarks from Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West

It's often said that a good book takes us somewhere we've never been before, and here's the proof: a book-lover's Baedeker to more than 500 literary locales across theUnited States and Europe. Novel Destinations invites readers to follow in the footsteps of much-loved authors, discover the scenes that sparked their imaginations, glimpse the lives they led, and share abit of the experiences they transformed so eloquently into print. If you're looking to indulge in literary adventure, you'll find all the inspiration and information you need here, along withbehind-the-scenes stories such as these:

After Ernest Hemingway survived two near-fatal plane crashes during an African safari, he perused his obituaries and sipped champagne on a canal-side terrace inVenice.

Washington Irving's wisteria-draped cottage in the Hudson Valley was once occupied by members of the Van Tassel family, immortalized in The Legend of SleepyHollow.

A mysterious incident at a stone tower near Dublin made such a vivid impression on James Joyce that he drew on it for the opening scene ofUlysses.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle consulted on the mystery of Agatha Christie's 1926 disappearance before she resurfaced under an assumed name in northernEngland.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables was inspired by a seaside manse in Salem, Massachusetts, infamous witch trials in which his ancestor played a role.

Tours five hundred literary landmarks throughout Europe and North America, and includes trip-planning advice for bibliophiles who want to visit sites such as James Joyce's Dublin and the New England landmarks of Louisa May Alcott.

For the new breed of vacationer who craves meaningful trips and unusual locales, the combination of reading and travel can be a heady mix--especially if you happen to be checking into Hemingway's favorite hotel in Sun Valley, or strolling about Bath's Royal Crescent while entertaining fantasies of Lizzie Bennett and her Mr. Darcy Cue National Geographic's Novel Destinations--a new offering that guides bibliophiles to more than 500 literary sites across the United States and Europe. From the moody, windswept moors that inspired the Brontes to the Old Courthouse immortalized by Harper Lee, the authors create a veritable life-list of must-see sites from literary history--and tell travelers how to visit on your own. The book begins with thematic chapters covering author houses and museums; literary festivals and walking tours; and hotels, bars, and restaurants. Then, in-depth explorations of author and place take readers roaming Franz Kafka's Prague, James Joyce's Dublin, Louisa May Alcott's New England, and other locales. Peppered with great reading suggestions and little-known tales of literary gossip, Novel Destinations will appeal as a unique travel guide, an attractive gift book, and the ultimate browser's delight.

Shannon McKenna Schmidt’s writing has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, New Jersey Monthly, Arrive, and other publications, and she is a regular contributor to Shelf Awareness and to Bookreporter.com. She has held positions in marketing and promotions at several publishing houses, most recently Simon & Schuster. Shannon lives in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Joni Rendon’s work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Continental, Pages, BookPage, The Writer, and on Bookreporter.com. She has held various marketing and editorial positions in the book publishing industry, most recently at Hyperion Books. Currently, she resides in London.

Indhold:author houses and museums / Read 'em and see — writers at home and abroad / Novel dispatches — Literary festivals, tours, and more — literary places to drink, dine, and doze / Booked up — Bath, London, Paris, Dublin, Prague, Concord, Salem, Key West, Monroeville, Monterey and Salinas / Journeys between the pages.