Forget GPS and Yelp reviews. In 1885, if you wanted to explore the backroads of New England and Eastern Canada, Francis Parkman’s Historic Handbook of the Northern Tour was your essential companion. Parkman maps out journeys from cities like Boston and Montreal, guiding you to historic sites, natural wonders, and quaint towns. But this is no dry list of directions. At every turn, he pauses the itinerary to tell you a story.

The Story

There isn't a single plot, but a series of adventures across the landscape. Parkman takes you to the ruins of Fort Ticonderoga and recounts the bloody battles for control of the continent. He describes the mighty St. Lawrence River and tells tales of the French explorers and Jesuit missionaries who traveled it centuries before. The book is a journey through physical space that constantly dips into the deep past, connecting the quiet fields and old stone walls you see with the dramatic events that shaped them.

Why You Should Read It

Parkman’s passion is contagious. He wasn’t just a scholar in a library; he traveled these routes himself, and his writing makes you feel the history under your feet. His descriptions are vivid, and his opinions are strong (he definitely has favorites among the historical figures!). Reading this today is a double pleasure: you learn incredible history, and you also get a fascinating snapshot of what travel and tourism looked like in the late 1800s.

Final Verdict

This is a hidden gem for road trip dreamers, local history enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the idea that every place has a story. It’s perfect for someone planning a New England getaway who wants to look beyond the leaf-peeping, or for a reader who enjoys classic history told with character and flair. Just be warned: you might start planning a very old-fashioned vacation.