How long does it take to walk the Literary Legends route?

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to browse the outdoor carts at Brattle Book Shop and admire the murals inside the Boston Public Library.

Is the Boston Public Library free to enter?

Yes, the Central Library in Copley Square is free and open to the public. Visitors can explore Bates Hall, the courtyard, and the various galleries without an admission fee during standard operating hours.

Can I see where Charles Dickens stayed in Boston?

Yes, Charles Dickens stayed at the Omni Parker House on School Street. While his specific suite is not a public museum, the hotel maintains its historic character and displays Dickens-related memorabilia in the lobby areas.

What is the significance of the Old Corner Bookstore?

It was the 19th-century home of Ticknor and Fields, the publishers for authors like Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott. It is considered the birthplace of many classic American literary works.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, it is family-friendly and mostly flat. Children often enjoy the 'Make Way for Ducklings' statues nearby in the Public Garden and the quirky outdoor book lot at Brattle Book Shop.

When is the best time to visit the Brattle Book Shop?

The outdoor sale lot is open Monday through Saturday, weather permitting, usually from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It is closed on Sundays and during inclement weather like heavy rain or snow.

Are there hills on this walking route?

No, this specific route through Downtown and Back Bay is almost entirely flat, making it an easy stroll for most fitness levels and accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

Q: Where is the Edgar Allan Poe statue located in Boston?

The statue, known as 'Poe Returning to Boston,' is located at the intersection of Boylston Street and Charles Street South, near the Boston Common and the site of Poe's birth.

About This Tour

Boston is often hailed as the 'Athens of America,' a title earned through its deep-rooted intellectual and literary heritage. This self-guided walk invites you to step into the world of the giants of American letters, from the transcendentalists of the 19th century to the modern masters who found inspiration in the city's cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture. Your journey through the literary soul of the city begins at the historic Omni Parker House and winds through the heart of the Back Bay, revealing the places where iconic novels were conceived and where legendary authors gathered to debate the issues of their day. Along this walking route, you will discover the site of a revolutionary publishing house that once served as the meeting point for names like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Harriet Beecher Stowe. You will also encounter one of the nation’s oldest antiquarian bookstores and a striking bronze tribute to Edgar Allan Poe, a writer whose relationship with his birthplace was famously contentious. As you transition into the Back Bay, the architecture takes center stage at the Boston Public Library, a 'palace for the people' that houses millions of volumes and breathtaking murals. The stroll concludes along the majestic Commonwealth Avenue Mall, a grand boulevard that epitomizes the elegance of the Boston Brahmins. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a history lesson; it is an invitation to explore independently and at your own pace. Whether you are a dedicated bibliophile or a casual reader, this travel experience connects you with the stories and personalities that shaped the American literary canon. There is no need for a scheduled walking tour Boston offers plenty of hidden gems you can find on your own. By choosing an audio walk, you have the flexibility to linger in a bookstore or spend extra time admiring the library’s courtyard. Experience the legacy of the literary legends of Back Bay on this immersive self-guided adventure.

Highlights

The legendary Saturday Club meeting spot at Omni Parker House

The 19th-century publishing hub at the Old Corner Bookstore

Rare finds at the iconic outdoor Brattle Book Shop

The 'Poe Returning to Boston' statue near his birthplace

The majestic Bates Hall at the Boston Public Library

The Victorian elegance of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Tour Stops (6)

Omni Parker House

Begin your journey at the Omni Parker House, the longest continuously operating hotel in the United States. While it’s famous for Boston Cream Pie, its literary significance is even more decadent. This was the meeting place of the Saturday Club, an elite group of 19th-century intellectuals including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. It was also here that Charles Dickens resided during his second American tour in 1867. In his suite, Dickens famously paced back and forth, reciting 'A Christmas Carol' to perfect his performance before reading it to adoring Boston crowds. As you stand outside this grand building, imagine the clouds of cigar smoke and the weight of the philosophical debates that once filled its private dining rooms.

Old Corner Bookstore

Just a short walk away stands the Old Corner Bookstore, a building that dates back to 1718. While today it houses a commercial storefront, in the mid-1800s it was the headquarters of Ticknor and Fields, one of the most important publishers in American history. This was the literary center of the country; it was here that works like Thoreau’s 'Walden' and Hawthorne’s 'The Scarlet Letter' were published. Authors didn't just send manuscripts here; they hung out here. It was a community hub where the 'Brahmin' writers of Boston would gather to gossip and share ideas. Look up at the gambrel roof and brickwork, which have survived the Great Boston Fire and the threat of demolition, standing as a testament to the city's commitment to its history.

Brattle Book Shop

Prepare to be charmed by the Brattle Book Shop, one of America’s oldest and largest antiquarian bookstores, established in 1825. Owned by the Gloss family since 1949, this shop is a pilgrimage site for book lovers. While the three floors of interior space are filled with rare editions and collectibles, the real magic is the outdoor sale lot. Nestled in a narrow alleyway adjacent to the building, rows of carts under a giant mural of famous authors offer affordable finds. It’s a place where the love of the written word is literally spilled out onto the street. Take a moment to browse the carts; you might just find a vintage copy of a classic to accompany you on the rest of your walk.

Edgar Allan Poe Statue

At the intersection of Boylston Street and Charles Street South, you’ll find a striking bronze statue titled 'Poe Returning to Boston.' Edgar Allan Poe was born just blocks from here in 1809, but his relationship with the city was 'complicated.' He often feuded with the Boston literary establishment, whom he mockingly called 'Frogpondians' for their perceived pretentiousness. Sculptor Stefanie Rocknak depicted Poe as if he is striding toward his birthplace, his coat billowing behind him, accompanied by a large raven. The statue captures the intensity and movement of a man who was always an outsider, even in the city of his birth. It serves as a powerful reminder that Boston’s literary history includes both its celebrated insiders and its defiant rebels.

Boston Public Library - Central Library

Enter Copley Square to find the Boston Public Library, the first large free municipal library in the United States. Designed by Charles Follen McKim and opened in 1895, it was intended to be a 'Palace for the People.' As you walk through the doors, head upstairs to Bates Hall, the iconic reading room with its soaring barrel-arched ceiling and green-shaded lamps. The library is a treasure trove of art, featuring murals by John Singer Sargent and Edwin Austin Abbey. Don’t miss the peaceful central courtyard, modeled after a Renaissance palazzo. This building represents the democratization of knowledge, ensuring that the great works of literature were accessible to every citizen, regardless of their status.

Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Your walk concludes on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, a 32-acre linear park designed in the French boulevard style. This grand stretch of greenery is the backbone of the Back Bay, lined with stunning examples of Victorian Brownstones. As you stroll, you’ll pass statues of historical figures, including William Lloyd Garrison and Leif Erikson. This area was the setting for many 'Boston novels' of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, depicting the lives of the city's social elite. The mall captures the transition of Boston from a crowded colonial port to a sophisticated, planned metropolis. It is the perfect place to sit on a bench, reflect on the literary giants you've encountered, and soak in the quiet elegance of the neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided literary walk through the Back Bay and Downtown is ideal. This route covers approximately 1.5 miles and includes the Omni Parker House, the Old Corner Bookstore, and the Boston Public Library, which are the cornerstones of the city's book history.