Herman Melville’s seafaring epic Moby-Dick is on its way to being declared the offical book of the state of Massachusetts, USA Today recently reported. Melville wrote the novel while living at a farmhouse (left) in Pittsfield in the Berkshire Mountains, where he was inspired by the view from his
study window–Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, whose outline is said to look like the shape of a whale.
Moby-Dick‘s lauded status has caused some controversy, particularly from representatives in the town of Concord, which was home to Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau.
There is certainly no shortage of literary riches in Massachusetts. It’s the state with the most author houses, five of which are in Concord alone.
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October 15, 2008 at 3:30 am
Gary Wyatt
Hey Ladies!
You need to spend 4th of July in Hannibal, Missouri where they have Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn days. I understand it’s quite the event,and to get a huge taste of Mark Twain,and how he lived in that awesome quaint little town.
The Becky Thatcher home needs donations to save it. It’s the home of Sam’s friend Laura Hawkins,and it’s falling down , as we speak.
Contact Henry Sweets at this website for more information.
http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/
Anymore more news on how the house in Hartford, CT is faring as of now?
I’ve been there too to take a class. I have been to Hannibal numerous times over the years,and taken a class there too. I have lived in Missouri all my life.
Thanks! Let me know if you decide to make the trip to Hannibal for 4th of July!
Gary Wyatt
October 18, 2008 at 10:58 am
noveldestinations
Hi Gary,
The latest news from Hartford is that the house is planning to remain open through the holidays, (and the holidays are the best time to visit as the whole house is decked out for a Victorian Christmas), but they are still facing a large cash-flow shortfall and need our support.
What a shame to hear about the difficulties at the Becky Thatcher house. We include the Hannibal Twain sites in our book, and Shannon is definitely hoping to get out there soon, perhaps next summer!
Thanks for keeping us posted on the latest from Hannibal.
Joni
December 19, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Gary Wyatt
I sure hope to hear when Shannon or yourself make it to Hannibal. I’d be willing to drive up to meet you for lunch or something,and show you around the sites of Hannibal.
Gary