Thursday 20 February 2020

The Places That Inspired The Classics

As is often the case, the world world serves as inspiration for some of the greatest fiction ever written. Here are two locations that inspired the classic novels we love, and a bit of the history behind them.


Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, South Dakota (Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder was born into a pioneer family. As early settlers to the Dakotas, her family faced the hardships of pioneering life, which served as the setting for her Little House on the Prairie series of children's books. The books were published between 1932 and 1943, and a television series was later produced during the 1970s and early 1980s based on the books. For fans of either the books or the series, you can still visit Laura Ingalls Wilder's home in De Smet, South Dakota to this very day.


The Spaniards Inn in London, England ('Ode to a Nightingale' by John Keats)

Located between Hampstead and Highgate in London, England, on the edge of Hampstead Heath near Kenwood House, lies Spaniards Road, and more to the point, the Spaniards Inn. This unassuming inn is a Grade II listed building, and for very good reason. Not only is it rumored to have served as inspiration for the John Keats classic Ode to a Nightingale (Keats is said to have been inspired by the sound of the birds in the inn’s garden) but it’s also been mentioned in both Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers and Bram Stoker's Dracula.


Looking to catch up with the classics? Visit our online library at www.greatess.com for a wide variety of ebooks, audiobooks, music, and more. Accessible anytime, anywhere, from your favorite devices.

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