Have you ever walked, biked, or driven around Western Massachusetts and encountered something that made you blurt out, “What the blazes is that?” Have you heard regional stories whose veracity you’ve pondered? Are you looking for something new to explore? If so, Who Knew? Roadside Revelations in Western Massachusetts is the book for you.
Who Knew? is a travel guide, an accessible history, and an offbeat love letter to Western Mass wrapped into one volume. In 32 succinct chapters, it identifies some local oddities, explodes a few tall tales, and suggests places in plain view to stop and admire. You can read it straight through, use it to plan your next adventure, or toss it into your backpack or backseat to consult when needed.
Robert E. (“Rob”) Weir holds a Ph.D. in American history from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is a former Fulbright scholar, the author of numerous books and articles, and has recently retired from nearly 40 years of high school and university teaching. He now spends part of his retirement wandering around Western Mass in search of new marvels.
