The land of North America holds a special place in history, and its vast and varied landscape has inspired writers to create fiction and nonfiction over the years. From Algonquin stories to cowboy poetry, letters from inner city streets to mythologies of the desert, the stories that dwell in this vast land have provided us with an essential window into our shared past. Writing North America is a chronicle of these tales; a document of the narrative tradition that binds us together in a common past and present.
1. Exploring the Literary Landscapes of North America
The literary landscapes of North America are as diverse and captivating as the continent itself. From the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains to humid bayous of the Mississippi Delta, authors have been writing their way across the continent for centuries. Let’s take a look at some of the different regions and the works of literature they have inspired.
The Great Lakes Region
Sitting atop the Great Lakes of Ontario, Huron, Michigan, Erie and Superior lies an area full of literary inspiration. One of the best-known novels set in the Great Lakes is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a classic of American literature. This tale of lost love, morality and materialism has reverberated across the Great Lakes and beyond.
The Great Lakes region also includes cities such as Chicago and Cleveland, which have been host to some of history’s most acclaimed writers. Chicago has long been an important center of American literature, from the early works of Carl Sandburg through to the present day, while Cleveland was home to Nobel laureate Toni Morrison. Indeed, its very streets and major highways have been used as settings for some of the most profound works ever written.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
- Carl Sandburg
- Toni Morrison
New England
The northeastern area has captivated writers for centuries. New England states such as Maine and Massachusetts have been home to some of history’s greatest authors; including Herman Melville, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and even J.D. Salinger. Melville’s iconic novel Moby-Dick captures the beauty and dangers of the ocean, while Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is a timeless exploration of the human heart.
From rocky coastlines to quaint towns, the landscapes of New England have been brought to life by countless writers. From Melville’s Billy Budd to Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, these are stories that will be remembered for generations to come.
- Herman Melville
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
- J.D. Salinger
2. A Journey Through Time and Genres
The history of music is an exciting one, and one that continues to change. It is remarkable to see how a single track can trace back to its roots in one genre and be reborn in another. It is equally amazing to observe the evolution of an individual style or genre over time.
Classical Music
The classical era of music has left a timeless legacy and impacted the music industry as we understand it today. Through its evolution and development, it has become the foundation for our musical knowledge. This genre of music is often divided into four distinct periods, from the Baroque era to the Romantic era, filled with timeless classics and influential composers.
Rock And Roll
Rock and Roll has come to dominate the modern music landscape, but its rise began in the 1950s. Under the leadership of influential musicians such as Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, Rock and Roll boomed and quickly gained worldwide recognition. It is highly versatile, with variations in alternative rock, indie, and mainstream pop rock.
Jazz
Jazz has been an important part of our musical landscape for over 100 years, and is characterized by improvisation and collective creativity of musicians. It has developed in many directions and styles, creating a new realm of fusion genres as it traveled to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Hip-Hop
Hip-Hop emerged in the 1970s and enjoyed notable success in the 1980s and 1990s with the artists of the new school movement, a period dubbed the ‘golden age’ of rap music. Hip-Hop continues to evolve and break boundaries with its diversity of sounds and styles, from modern trap music and classic East Coast styles.
The history of music is a continuous revolution made up of distinct musical genres, styles, and eras. Follow the journey to see the foundations of our popular tunes, and admire the evolution of sounds that have shaped our music culture today.
3. Unlocking the Voices of North America
Preserving Language and Culture
The languages and cultures of North America are incredibly diverse and rich, each with its own unique identity. Unfortunately, these valuable sagas, oral histories, and dialects are in danger of being forgotten or forgotten as time passes. is a project devoted to safeguarding the current languages and cultures of the region, as well as restoring those that have already been lost.
By recording and digitizing members of the various communities, their language and stories can be shared with future generations. Through interviews, written profiles, audios, and videos, the project captures knowledge from elders who may have otherwise not had the chance to share their language and wisdom. Testimonies of traditional knowledge are gathered in partnership with museum, tribe, and language archivists, helping strengthen language and cultural revitalization through archival records.
The project not only creates a platform for language preservation, but a community too. It facilitates cultural exchange and connection between the North American tribes. Through interviews, elders are able to freely share their memories and oral histories, which are sadly in danger of being wiped away with time and spread of modern society. Participants also benefit from increased exposure, as the project’s work is shared with digital archives, featuring audio and video.
Project Objectives
- Preserving the diverse languages and cultures of North America
- Connecting and facilitating the exchange of knowledge between tribes
- Creating a digital archive of language and cultural practices
- Creating awareness of endangered groups, stories and knowledge
The knowledge and stories of North America are integral for the region’s cultural understanding and identity. preserves this rapidly fading knowledge, and allows the wisdom of elders to be accessible for the generations to come.
4. Uncovering Hidden Riches Across the Continent
Europe, with its attractive ambiance, storied landmarks, captivating cultures, and diverse peoples, is amidst of its own hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From breathtaking mountain ranges to vibrant coastal summer havens, there’s something to explore around every corner with a seemingly endless array of surprises.
Whether it’s a romantic beachfront villa, a secluded Italian vineyard, an iconic art gallery, or simply a hidden tucked away cafe, Europe is a true treasure trove of treasures. Offering excellent value for money, many of these hidden gems are the best keep secrets which offer a unique and memorable experience.
Visiting Europe can bring us to unexpected and delightful experiences, such as:
- Exploring Treasures – an afternoon exploring the abbeys of Ireland, or discovering ancient ruins hidden in the Pyrenees.
- Immersing in Arts and Culture – a trip to see the Prado in Madrid or the Louvre in Paris.
- Interior Design – an 18th century Venetian villa, or a contemporary design boutique nestled in the hills.
- Romantic Treasures – dreamy beach resort in the Balearic Islands, or a dreamy stay in the French countryside.
To get the most out of Europe, be sure to look beyond the popular resorts and tourist sites. Delve deep into Europe’s hidden gems and uncover all this diverse continent has to offer.
Whether it’s admiring a stunning piece of architecture, visiting a tiny museum, or relaxing in a quaint country village, there’s something to explore around every corner. Hopefully these hidden gems will inspire you to look beyond the surface and uncover the hidden riches scattered across the continent.
From the urban bustle of New York City to the sweeping vistas of the Rocky Mountains, the words we use in North America have captured this continent’s history and culture since its beginnings. From the common slang of the inner city to the legacies of ancient Native American tribes, writing has allowed us to experience the diversity that North America has to offer. We can discover our shared stories and unique cultures through these words, and honor the many voices that make America a place of beauty and mystery.
