Brattlecast #147 - Specialized Travel Guides

Brattlecast: A Firsthand Look at Secondhand Books - A podcast by Brattle Book Shop

Today we’re talking about older travel guides written for people from historically marginalized groups. With the advent of the internet, planning a trip is easier than ever, and most of us take it for granted that we’ll be welcomed at our destination rather than hassled or even harmed. Sadly, this was not always the case, especially for Black Americans, the LGBTQ+ community, and women traveling alone. We’ll take a look at some of the guides that helped folks stay safe and comfortable on the road, from 'The Green Book' to 'The Bob Damron Address Book'. They’re sad artifacts in a way, but also testaments to community, resilience, and quiet subversion.