Historic Photos of Boston
Books such as Historic Photos of Boston allow us to take in the enormous change that naturally occurs in a vibrant and continually-adapting city. Some of these changes are unfortunately regrettable. If you want to take a trip back in history to view Boston as it was, I strongly recommend this book. Although you will see that much has changed in the city over the years, we can be proud that many historic buildings and landmarks survive. --deconstructing-jim.blogspotI am impressed by the variety of pictures of old Boston. Its hard to make black and white static shots of long gone buildings particularly interesting, but writer/compiler Timothy Orwig does drop some interesting facts into the captions accompanying some interesting pictures. What makes Historic Photos of Boston shine are the larger photos of the city, the panoramas or big depictions of Beantown from overhead or at a high vantage point. The detail pulled from those photos is engrossing- Looking at the common folk walking down the street, caught for history in the voyeuristic split second of a camera shutter. Pictures of a century ago still let us navigate a city of today, bringing history to life with each block walked. --redfezwriter.blogspotTimothy Orwig's 2006 HISTORIC PHOTOS OF BOSTON is a treasure trove of images spanning two centuries, lavishly spread out over more than 200 pages, and richly deserving a place upon any Bostonian's coffee table. These kinds of books (and this one, specifically) make great gifts, as everyone loves a bit of history when it comes to a town or city they love (or grew up in...), and photographs of familiar settings in bygone eras never fail to fascinate. Orwig's compendium knows just what to show and what to tell, as the history of Boston from 1850 through the mid 20th century is brought to life through glorious, nearly full-page photos with just enough exposition to inform and entertain. Boston's burgeoning neighborhoods, inhabitants, and landmarks are all well-represented, and Orwig (and Turner Publishing) gives his subject matter the respect and reverence it deserves. A+ for content, and A+ for presentation!! --fredspicks.blogspot.com