Providence Rhode Island might not be where you think of first when you think of the American literary cannon, in fact, the city has been previously referred to as an “intellectual backwater,” but we don’t take kindly to this title because it’s simply untrue! Providence has a rich history of authors who lived and worked within its borders, and this educational walking tour of the East Side will teach you about a few of them!
Running about an hour and a half to an hour and forty five minutes (depending on how many questions you have,) the Providence By The Books Tour is led by an passionate expert guide who can't wait to show you around the East Side.
Right in the front of the park, there is a massive statue of Roger Williams, the state's founder, so it's quite hard to miss where the tour will take off from!
Once you meet your guide and your fellow tour mates, you will learn about the life of one of Providence's most famed authors, H.P. Lovecraft and hear some of his stories at the actual locations they were set.
This is one of the more popular images of H.P. Lovecraft, often used on book jackets.
Covering three Lovecraft stories, this tour will also educate you about the author's life, death, and some of the more unsavory aspects of his character, like his racism. We love this tour because it doesn't gloss over the truth! You will also get the chance to see a memorial to a famed Providence singer and learn about her history as well.
Once you've descended down the steep hill and heard the last Lovecraft story, your guide will begin to tell you about the wild and winding love story of Edgar Allen Poe and Sarah Helen Whitman.
This portrait of Edgar Allen Poe was taken the day he proposed to Sarah Helen Whitman.
We all know of Poe, but what most people aren't aware of is that we likely wouldn't know who he was if it were not for Sarah Helen Whitman and their ill-fated romance.
It's easy to see why Poe was so enamored with Whitman.
Sarah Helen Whitman's history is fascinating all on its own, and before your guide tells you about Poe and Sarah's relationship, they will fill you in on Sarah's life.
The courtship of Sarah Helen Whitman and Edgar Allen Poe covers the last three stops of the tour. You will get the chance to learn about their first date (in a cemetery!) See the site of the hotel Poe used to stay in while courting Sarah, and be regaled with stories of this very odd romance.
The tour ends at one of Providence's most beautiful buildings, the Athenaeum, one of the countries oldest lending libraries and where the story of Poe and Sarah's courtship comes to an end. Here your guide can direct you back to your car or to a great spot to eat and discuss your tour!
The Providence By The Books tour runs every Saturday at 3 p.m. and is perfect for groups of all sizes who want to learn more about the literary history of the city of Providence. Book your tickets and keep abreast of the schedule and other tours the company offers at their website. Are you excited to take this tour?
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