One for the Road: Dorothy Parker’s New York

by Kelly Amabile on

The ArtPlace Series from Roaring Forties Press is one of my all-time favorites. The concept is fantastic — each book describes the life of an artist (or group of artists) as it relates to the city that he/she/they lived in. The possibilities are endless, and in New York alone I’m sure a whole sub-series of titles could be created.

The one they have published for NYC is a real winner: A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s New York is a unique guide that explores over 100 locations associated with the famous poet, drama critic and political activist. Written by Kevin C. Fitzpatrick, founder of the Dorothy Parker Society, the book takes travelers on a thorough and well-documented tour of the places where she lived and worked. Readers can use the five maps and 150 illustrations to trace the footsteps of this celebrated writer and founding member of the Algonquin Round Table.

Fitzpatrick conducts occasional literary walking tours in NYC that explore the haunts and homes of Parker and other members of the Algonquin Round Table. The next one is coming up on May 13. And this June marks the 40th anniversary of Parker’s death — a special celebration at the Algonquin Hotel is planned for August 22. Sign up for the Society’s newsletter to receive more info about that and other upcoming events.

[murmur] Makes A City Come Alive

by Willy Volk on

When I attended the Bodies exhibit, I received a hand-held device. Throughout the exhibit, when I saw a sign with a number, I entered the number on the device, and a pre-recorded message explained what I was looking at. Of course, many museums offer devices that provide visitors information upon demand. Cleverly, Toronto is doing something similar — for the entire city. Believing stories make a city come alive, [murmur] allows people to infuse communities with life.

An archival audio project that collects stories set in various locations — from parking lots to diners, to front lawns — the stories of [murmur] are told by Torontonians themselves. At each [murmur] location, a [murmur] sign with a phone number and location code indicates that stories are available. By calling the number, users are able to listen to the story. Some stories encourage the listener to walk around; other stories assume you’ll stand in place. If you have a response to the story you just heard, you can record it. [murmur] also has a companion website, which allows you to virtually tour the city and listen to the stories by clicking the map.

Evidently, [murmur] has spread to San Jose, California. What a great way for residents and tourists alike to learn about the city.

[News tip: Great Map; Photo: cjw333]