City stairways have been the source of literary inspiration over the years. Here is a sampling of references, admonishments, and enjoyable readings on public paths—in Oakland and beyond. If we missed something, let us know!
In the news
- “Walking the Line for Oakland Urban Paths”
by Patsy K. Eagan, OaklandLocal.com, 04/28/10 - “Eyes on the Street: The Ghost Streets of San Francisco”
by Chris Carlsson, www.sf.streetsblog.org, 08/24/09 - “Chronicle Watch Results: Oakland Staircases Reopen”
by Jim Herron Zamora, San Francsico Chronicle, 10/07/07 -
An Oaklandish piece from the Oakslander Lakeside Gazette, Vol. I
- City blogger asks Oaklanders to “Walk the Walks with Oakland Urban Paths”
On the shelf
- Hidden Walks in the East Bay & Marin: Pathways, Essays & Yesterdays
by Stephen Altschuler (Great West Books, 2001) - Stairway Walks in San Francisco
by Adah Bakalinsky (Wilderness Press, 4th Ed., 2001) - Stairways—Los Angeles
by Virginia Comer (Balcony Press, 2000) - The Steps of Pittsburgh: Portrait of a City
by Bob Regan, with photos by Tim Fabian (Local History Company, 2004) - Wanderlust: A History of Walking
by Rebecca Solnit (Penguin, 2000)
And while we’re at it…
The references below are not Oakland-based, but imagine what a few good afternoons on the stairways and paths with a video camera might yield.
On Video
Who is ready to do this in Oakland?
And taking some inspiration from…Pittsburgh?! Oh yea!
On Film
Ready for your suggestions
