A Journey into the Transcendentalists' New England (ArtPlace series) [Paperback]

R. Todd Felton (Author)

Book Description

Series: ArtPlace series | Publication Date: June 1, 2006

The New England towns and villages that inspired the major figures of the Transcendentalism movement are presented by region in this travel guide that devotes a chapter to each town or village famous for its relationship to one or more of the Transcendentalists. Cambridge, where Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered his powerful speeches is highlighted, as is Walden, where Henry David Thoreau spent two years attuning himself to the rhythms of nature. Other chapters retrace the paths of major writers and poets of the period as well as the utopian communities of the time. This invaluable traveling companion offers street maps, historical illustrations, and narratives that create a vivid sense of New England in the 19th century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A beautiful book...The author sends the reader on a journey without intrusion, like the best of guides."  —American Transcendentalists website

"Capture[s] beautifully...the hustle and bustle of mid-19th century New England life."  —New England Watershed Magazine 

"Traveling with this book [will] infuse the places mentioned...with meaning."  —Get Lost Books

About the Author

R. Todd Felton is a photographer and a writer who specializes in literary travel guides. A former founding director of a writing center and an English department chair, Felton is the author of A Journey into Ireland's Literary Revival. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Roaring Forties Press (June 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097667064X
• ISBN-13: 978-0976670643
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #293,021 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A writer and photographer, Robert Todd Felton has written about Thoreau's Walden Pond, Yeats' Ireland, and Emerson's Boston. He has also penned articles on hiking in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac, exploring Hunter S. Thompson's Las Vegas, and driving through Austria where the hills are alive with The Sound of Music. His books include A Journey into the Transcendentalists' New England and A Journey into Ireland's Literary Revival (both from Roaring Forties Press), as well as Walking Boston from Wilderness Press. His shorter work has been published in National Geographic Traveler, Backpacker, The Gemutlichkeit Newsletter, Draft, and Automotive Traveler. His photographs have appeared in books, magazines, journals and in exhibitions across New England.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transport yourself to New England, July 14, 2006

By 

Karen (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Journey into the Transcendentalists' New England (ArtPlace series) (Paperback)

Without even leaving your living room, Todd Felton's new book will make you feel like you have visited New England on a perfect crisp fall day. The lush colors of this travel book evoke the fall colors in Massachusetts. Starting with an understandable definition of what transcendentalism is, Felton segues in to an exploration of how Boston, Cambridge, Concord, Walden, Salem and Amherst influenced the Transcendentalists that lived, worked and created their art in these places. You feel it as you read it at home, but all the better if you can take this book with you on a visit.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book, July 2, 2007

By 

Frances Salorio (Amherst, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Journey into the Transcendentalists' New England (ArtPlace series) (Paperback)

This book is fascinating and full of information, well presented. The photographs are beautiful and the entire layout of the book is unusual and charming. The ArtPlace series books are a special collection and the Felton books are really top-notch. Great gifts and get one for yourself.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey into the Transcendentalists' New England (artPlace series), September 19, 2007

By 

S. kelly (California girl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Journey into the Transcendentalists' New England (ArtPlace series) (Paperback)

This book and this series is one of the best intelligent series of expose's that I have ever seen. Critical photos and maps help you to navigate the areas these literay/artist's lived and worked as well as the level of verbage does not talk down to the reader, but elevates his knowledge of subject and makes it a stimulating experience as well. I can hardly wait to see the others. I hope they do one on the Pre-Raphaelites, and there are many other exciting subjects that this series could and should cover in their wonderful eclectic, intelligent format.