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“Not since William Tecumseh Sherman spared Savannah from the torch has this city been so indebted to a Yankee.” So wrote The New York Times of John Berendt’s book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Impact of “The Book”
Since its publication in 1994, “The Book”, as locals refer to it, has made a significant impact on Savannah. Tourism has increased almost 50% and with it a demand for all things “Midnight” – from guided tours to T-shirts, from replicas of the iconic statue the “Bird Girl” to photo “ops” in front of the Mercer-Williams House. The Book and its compelling story has proven to be big business for Savannah.
Today – one movie, and millions of printed copies later – curiosity about this hugely entertaining account of life and death in Savannah is as rampant as ever. Perhaps it’s the hauntingly beautiful city itself that has become the star – the stately houses, picturesque city squares, beguiling tree-lined streets, historic cemeteries, and its marvelous personality.
Guided Tours
An engaging way to learn about this magical non-fiction depiction of Savannah and its colorful hodgepodge of characters is to join a guided tour that focuses on the story’s places and players. Photo “ops” are plentiful, and perhaps you will encounter one of the many eccentric rascals depicted in the story. You’ll be put right in the middle of the story and learn about Savannah’s history as well as a smorgasbord of lively tales. Tours are conducted in climate controlled vans.
Trolley tours that conduct overview tours of Savannah also include some the book’s key sites in their excursions.
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