Take a Walking Tour of Literary Providence

The front of the literary map

Photograph Courtesy of Hidden Streets

Pop quiz: What do H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe and Cormac McCarthy have in common? If you answered Providence, you’re right. The city is known for having a deeply rich and fascinating literary history but it’s never been put together in one easy-to-use place. That is, until now.

Literary Providence: A Map and Guide to Writers and Writing, the brainchild of Chris Witt via Hidden Streets, features 32 different spots throughout the city where literary greats have walked. The idea behind the map is that you tour Providence yourself, going from point to point and reading on the map what exactly the significance is with that particular literary spot. The map itself is broken down in case you don’t have time to do all of it. Only up for the East Side? It has a section dedicated solely to writers there, as well as other sections for downtown, College Hill and “elsewhere.” The map also features notable bookstores and libraries throughout the city.

The Literary Providence map is available through many local bookstores around town, as well as the Providence-Warwick Visitor’s Bureau, but is most easily obtained through the Hidden Streets website.