I am thrilled by this recent mention of my book and book launch event by Bonnie Wells of the Amherst Bulletin.  You can see the full round-up of books by local authors at:

 http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/108931/

'Walking Boston'

"In 1958, M.I.T. student Oliver Smoots was laid end to end repeatedly to measure the length of the Harvard Bridge."

Turns out the bridge is equal to 364 5-foot, seven-inch Oliver Smoots, plus an ear.

Amherst author Robert Todd Felton invites readers (and walkers) to count it out for themselves in his new book "Walking Boston," just out from Wilderness Press.

The user-friendly paperback plots 34 interesting walking routes around Boston, complete with a brief introduction to the area, maps, points of interest, pictures and "back story" insets, from which the Smoots story was drawn.

Routes range from the popular Beacon Hill area with its cobblestones and gaslights, to the 200-year-old Haymarket, the Freedom Trail and lesser known haunts like Bay Village.

"I literally stumbled into it," Felton said. "It's this cute little neighborhood with cobblestone streets and houses built by the workmen who were building the [grander] houses on Beacon Hill."

Also known throughout history as the Church Street District, South Cove and Kerry Village, the neighborhood is bounded by Boylston, Arlington, St. Fayette and Charles Streets. The walking route of approximately one mile is marked "easy."

Felton is the author of "A Journey into the Transcendentalists' New England" and "A Journey into Ireland's Literary Revival," both by Roaring Forties Press. He writes a monthly column on literary roadtrips for Automotive Traveler.

He said what distinguishes "Walking Boston" from the scores of Boston guidebooks, is his emphasis on the quality of the walk. "They're all pleasant walks," he said, "with good walking surfaces and nice views."

Amherst Books hosts a book- launch party for Felton Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at the bookshop at 8 Main St. in Amherst. More information about the author is available at his Web site, www.rtoddfelton.com.