J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Saturday, August 23, 2014

Half a Million Steps Along the Freedom Trail

Big congratulations to Charles Bahne for reaching the “half a million copies in print” milestone with his Compete Guide to Boston’s Freedom Trail!

This paperback is not only a thorough and affordable little guide to Boston’s most famous historic sites from the Revolutionary and Federalist eras, but it’s also a fine example of micro-publishing. Charlie saw the need for such a book years ago while instructing tourists about the Freedom Trail, and he created the first edition before computers and the internet and print-on-demand made self-publishing as easy as it is today.

Now in its fourth edition with color illustrations, The Complete Guide to Boston’s Freedom Trail has survived into the world of smartphones and apps. Of course, it’s very light, has a larger reading surface than a phone, and needs no electricity. The book is available through Boston shops, the big online booksellers, and this local website.

1 comment:

Charles Bahne said...

Thanks, J.L., for your consistent support over the years, both for The Complete Guide and for my other efforts!

A minor clarification: as of this month, The Complete Guide has officially passed the half a million copies SOLD mark, at the wholesale level. A few of those books, of course, are still sitting on retailers' shelves and haven't yet been sold to customers, but it should definitely pass the 500,000 retail copies sold within the next couple of months.

I would also like to thank all of my friends at the various sites and stores along the Trail, including the National Park Service, for your friendship and support over the past 29 years.

Charlie Bahne