Literary New York: Its Landmarks and Associations

A chronological survey traces the city's literary development from its earliest colonial era through the nineteenth century, profiling major writers associated with different periods and describing the taverns, theaters, churches, libraries, and streets that served as their settings. Each chapter pairs biographical sketches with evocative accounts of meeting-places and surviving landmarks, accompanied by maps and illustrations. The narrative highlights how urban change shaped literary life and offers portraits of both celebrated and lesser-known contributors, concluding with reflections on contemporary writers and the city’s continuing cultural identity.