Boston

BEYOND THE SCREEN is an apt title; it describes this book both literally and metaphorically. Nancy Berliner and fourcontributing writers dissect both the life and furniture of sixtheen and seventeenth China in a work that combines art, craft and social history. My husband, an amateur woodworker, was fascinated with descriptions of workmanship and digrams of joinery. I preferred the sections that talked about the people -- both the craftsmen (usually anonymous) that made the furniture and the elite who commissioned it. But the focus point of the book is undoubtedly the photographs of the furniture itself -- some pieces which are classically simple, others that are intricately carved. Berliner comments at length on each piece. For collectors of antique Chinese furniture -- or reproductions -- this book is an absolute must-have. It gives the story behind the craft and makes sitting down so much more interesting!

This is a fantastic little book that I wish were more available (it is kind of a pain to get your hands on). It is well-organized and beautifully written by an historian who knows Boston very well. I would advise this to anyone interested in the history of Boston or to urban historians in general, because of its concise nature. It is an excellent companion to O'Connor's other books about the history of Boston, and particularly its Irish inhabitants. Definitely worth a read.

Sarah and Max go on vacation at Ireson Landing. They find a valuable Bilbao Looking Glass in the house. Sarah insists it does not belong to the Kellings. Then a neighbor is murdered and then her friend. Are they related or coincidence. Great ending for Sarah and Max.

Over the past thirty years Black or African-American history has been on the cutting edge of research, and a popular offering in secondary schools and especially in colleges and universities. Not unexpectedly, many have sought to capitalize on this new-found interest in what educators call "multiculturalism" by "rushing-to-judgment," by making available to students, specialists,and the general public,works catering to this interest. Many (nearly all) of these works, written by "celebrity scholars" like Cornell West, bell hooks, Angela Davis, Roger Wilkins, Beverly D. Tatum--the list is seemilngly endless--are devoid of dispassionate scholarship. Indeed, it is not too much to say these "works" are opportunistic ramblings of race hustlers who are incapable of distinguishing blatant racial advocacy from serious, evidentiary-based, scholarship.
How refreshing, then, to come upon a work like that of Professor George Levesque's. This beautifully written, meticulously researched book, while it focuses on a single state and its capital city (Boston Massachusetts)informs about the origins of Black life and culture of non-slave Blacks in general in the crucial years before the general emancipation brought about by the Civil War. As the late William G. McLoughliln of Brown University wrote on the dust jacket, "Boston has had many interpreters but few have written about this quintessential American city as has Levesque in this incomparable book; by far the best we have on black life in urban America before the Civil War. Solidly grounded in primary sources, brilliant in its multifaceted analysis, this Big Book returns black history to the forefront of historical achievement."
Perhaps most revealing about this big book (it is more than 500 pages in length,)is the author's erudition on such a wide range of topics. The work on the demographic landscape alone is remarkable. We learn not only about the origins and growth of Boston's black community, including its age and sex ratios, statistics on reported crime, pauperism and insanity; emploument figures, school and church membership rolls, but on a host of associational and institutional aspects as well as the band of incomparable leaders, men and women both, who led this community in the pivotal transition years between the Revolution and the Civil War. One cannot capture in a brief review the rich tapestry woven by this author, a tapestry which enlightens on every subject examined; an example of social history at its very best, and one which informs on a subject which should be of interest to us all: the origns of our enduring and perplexing racial dilemma.

Chris Lynch is one of the most brutally honest young adult authors out there.

Mick, an Irish-American kid living in a racially-segregated neighborhood, struggles to define his identity and break away from the hatred and ignorance that plagues his family. Mick faces opposition from every side as he tries to leave the bigotted ways of his neighborhood behind. Terry, his alcoholic, bigotted, and violent brother believes that family honor is dictated by the fist; Mick's parents stand idly and blindly by as Mick is mentally and physically abused by Terry and his friends (ironically, his parents end up buying a bar); even Sully, Mick's best friend, is unable to break away from the ignorance that traps him in his own cowardice.

This book does not make escaping from deep-rooted prejudices and family ties look easy, which is why it seems so real. With each step forward, Mick slips back two or three. Mick does not face an easy challenge, but readers will want to see if he is ever able to break away from the hatred and terror.

John Feely has written the thinking person's guide to Boston. This could substitute easily for a history or architecture textbook about the city. It is very accessible because of an excellent index. The text is quite detailed and organized nicely giving first the history, geography and then current status of monuments, buildings, museums, geographic features and neighborhoods. There are some cautions for the buyer. The print is small and the directions for walkers both inside and outside of buildings might be confusing. This is not a guide for hotels, restaurants or entertainment. The book could use some more detailed street maps within each section, similar to the Michelin green guides. Overall a good choice at a good price.

Excellent guide to Boston for the first timer or the native who wants details for great day trip. Filled with clear and informative maps, fun photos and wonderful descriptions of different areas of Boston and the many surrounding attractions. It contains a terrific history section, practical tips on planning your trip, accomodations, restaurants, shopping and sports info and more and even a list of good books about Boston. The book is scattered with helpful tips and recommendations to enhance your visit. A very attractive book, it's size (about 5 1/2 X 8 1/2 and about 3/4 inch think) makes it easy to carry around and substantial enough to save as a great souvenir of your trip. I work at a Global Training Center and we use this book consistently to help our visitors plan their sightseeing. I highly recommeded this guide.

I have lived in Bostion twice for a total of five years so I know the city well. And I own about a dozen of these Eyewitness travel books.

First let me make a short comment on Boston. Boston is one of America's most compelling places to visit in terms of historical landmarks, museums, and places to see, things to do etc. One comment if I may. Leave your car at home or just leave it parked at the hotel. Boston is not car friendly, but on the otherhand most things are all down in the central core or quickly reached by subway. When I lived in Boston, I sold my car. Not worth the hassle.

This is a perfect travel book for Boston. The book is rich in stunning photos and has many cutaway views of famous spots. Also included are maps, museums, cultural attractions, walks, restaurants, and more. It has a nice history review with famous people and historical time charts showing what happened and when.

You cannot go wrong. Take this plus grab a larger street map.

My favourite restaurant - "Anthony's Pier 4" for lunch or dinner on the harbour with a great view. Take a cab to get there.

Jack in Toronto

With information about Boston's colleges, neighborhoods and historical sites, it's a coffee table book that could double as a guide book for residents and visitors alike. It would make the perfect gift for a student at one of the area's colleges who needs to know more about what the city has to offer.

This book is one of those books where no matter how many times you open it, you will always find something new. The photos in it are first rate and aren't mere roster shots of locomotives. The photos really tell a story of what was going on The Minuteman Route during the 1940's, 50's and 60's. The writing is not a dry history of the B&M. It tells a very entertaining story that includes the authors own experiences observing the railroad during his youth. It makes for an fun read. I highly recommend it!