A Literary Tour of New York from Wall Street to Harlem

From Wall Street to Harlem, Long Island to the Bronx, New York has a rich and colorful history of literature inspired by the streets of the Big Apple. There are four books that truly give the New York feel. From the Harlem Renaissance, to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ellison to Salinger, New York's literary history is a stunning part of its history. Now you can take a tour of New York through the eyes of four, brilliant authors.

Some of these destinations (Harlem, and the Bronx) may not seem like your typical tourist attractions, but I think the burrows of New York, the distinct neighborhoods, are what make New York a truly amazing city.

The Bonfire of the Vanities - Tom Wolfe

The first thing you learn from this book, is that if you are in the Bronx at night, and you find an on-ramp covered by an old tire and some trash cans, find a different on-ramp!. No, seriously folks, the Bronx is not as bad as all that, though in the South Bronx crime is high. In the Bronx, you will need to visit Edgar Allen Poe's home, Yankee Stadium, and much more.

Park Avenue is your next stop in this literary tour of New York. Like Wall Street, big business is the key here, but a stop at grand central station is a must.

The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Long Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, this is the setting of the Great Gatsby. Nestled in between the mansions of Long Island, maybe you can find a shack or two to live in while hobnobbing with the best and brightest.

The Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger.

Central Park Zoo is the next stop on your literary tour of New York. Though you may not want to go to some places in Central Park, the zoo should be fine. Just spend your time people watching, animal watching, or reading Catcher in the Rye. Central Park Zoo is a world class zoo, hopefully your time there isn't as sad as Holden's, but definitely bring your Phoebe when you go.

Invisible Man - Ellison

Harlem is next, and though you probably wont be as invisible as the narrator in Invisible Man, you should definitely not miss the Harlem Boy's Choir (though they are primarily a traveling group), take in a show at The Apollo, and don't forget to eat at Sylvia's Restaurant.

Bartleby, the Scrivener - Herman Mellville

Wall Street is the final destination on your literary tour of New York. Though some would "prefer not", I would suggest a stop at Ground Zero... If just for memory's sake.