The rich and varied history of Kansas City can be examined through the literature surrounding its locales. This literary map, inspired by a Manhattan literary map that appeared in the New York Times Book Review in June of 2005, took roughly five months to compile, and includes suggestions and annotations from many of the staff at the Johnson County Library.

I selected the titles based on their references to Kansas City landmarks, and ones that delineated different time periods. From pre-Civil War times to current development in suburban Kansas City, these titles encompass many of the sites that make this city such a vibrant place to live. Special thanks go to Brian Oertel for his wonderful graphic talents (and patience!) and to Amy Ostrom for her ability to translate print into a Rich Internet Application. -Susan Bogart, Reference Librarian