A Geographical Tour of Literary America

The Grand Tour of Literary Landmarks resulted from my students' success with another project that we called "Poetic License with THE AMAZING RACE." This new journey also begins and ends in my students' hometown. Chosen writers are specific to our curriculum and texts; however, teachers can adapt new selections to their students' needs. Side images are their original work. Photo images at each destination go directly to official sites or to the slideshows of my own travel photos. The main sources of written material here are www.Poets.org and Adventures in American Literature, Heritage Edition and Pegasus Edition.

Cooperstown, New York

On the literary map, travel from Hartford, Connecticut, to Cooperstown, New York.

Calculate:

# _____________ Miles to Cooperstown, New York

$ _____________ Cost for Gasoline to Cooperstown, New York

Visit Mrs. Steller's James Fenimore Cooper Gallery.

We have already studied Cooper. Now The James Fenimore Cooper Society answers the question, "Is Cooper hard to read?"

Their response: "Millions have enjoyed him for almost two centuries. Cooper's thirty-two novels can still be exciting and thought-provoking, but it helps...[to have] a little background...readers for pleasure today can read Cooper with enjoyment and understanding.

Read their suggestions. Summarize their advice in a three paragraph essay.