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brneely's review
informative
fast-paced
3.25
This short history packs a punch for its small size. It provides a solid background for just about all of the major developments in Boston, and includes more small anecdotes than I would have expected. The images help provide a frame of reference for the physical place and the people that inhabit it.
Of course, no topic gets sufficient coverage when you're rushing through 400 years of history in just over 100 pages. Though Allison does a good job, a lot of interesting information is lost in the brevity. The cutouts for historical figures are helpful, though their layout is a little goofy. Do we really need major controversies for each person? For many, it didn't make much sense - even when Allison switches to major challenges halfway through.
Overall, a useful but limited history of Boston, perfect for people coming to visit for a weekend or a young couple who just moved to the city and wants a birds eye view of the major changes to the city. I would recommend this to my grandfather and my friend Emma.
Of course, no topic gets sufficient coverage when you're rushing through 400 years of history in just over 100 pages. Though Allison does a good job, a lot of interesting information is lost in the brevity. The cutouts for historical figures are helpful, though their layout is a little goofy. Do we really need major controversies for each person? For many, it didn't make much sense - even when Allison switches to major challenges halfway through.
Overall, a useful but limited history of Boston, perfect for people coming to visit for a weekend or a young couple who just moved to the city and wants a birds eye view of the major changes to the city. I would recommend this to my grandfather and my friend Emma.
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