Anthony Mitchell Sammarco

This isn't well done at all. It's a photo book, which is fine, although there are some odd choices in the photo selection. However, the captions often don't identify the date, the photographer, or any other information about the source, and the historical information given in them is often contradictory and confusing. (For instance, on one page an island is described as being named after the man who acquired it in 1626; on the facing page he's described as acquiring it in 1622.) These sorts of errors, along with the confusing way in which the islands are grouped and discussed in the book, leaves one wondering how reliable the history given actually is. And it's woefully incomplete. Many of the islands are barely mentioned. It's disappointing, as the Boston Harbor Islands have a fascinating history that throws an interesting light on the history of urban planning, fishing, marine navigation, defense, immigration, medicine, poverty, and prisons. I would like to read that sort of a book. This, like others in the same series, is more of a novelty, limited-interest kind of publication, long on nostalgia and short on actual facts. Worth checking out of the library; not worth bothering to buy.… (meer)

This pictorial essay depicts Boston, via photos and drawings, as it was prior to the Great Fire of 1872; during the Fire (artists' renderings); in the immediate aftermath of the conflagration; and after it was subsequently rebuilt. Extensive captions analyze the development, destruction, and rebirth of the city's downtown area.

Many of the photos of the fire's aftermath are absolutely gripping. I felt that some of the captions omitted information that might have been helpful; some references were obviously geared to those familiar with the city's history. The nature of the photos entailed duplication of some information in multiple shots. Overall, a good, solid depiction of downtown Boston before and after the fire.… (meer)