ABSTRACT
Abstract: This paper examines the presentation of Canadian author L. M. Montgomery at three literary tourism sites in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Using Goffman’s suggestion that all social actions involve moral claims, the paper analyzes site geography, signage, orientation speeches, policy documents, as well as interviews with key informants to show that site guardians argue for the authenticity of their particular site by making various truth claims and excluding rival claims. These claims give interpretative form to each site. The paper concludes that such forms—modernist, rationalist, and eclectic—contribute to the development of Prince Edward Island literary tourism and help shape a dynamic and distinctive Montgomery heritage. Keywords: literary tourism, authenticity, L. M. Montgomery, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
