Product Description

"In The Hub, [O'Connor] synthesizes standard references on the city's development, from its 1630 founding through the 1960s desegregation battles and today's redevelopment." Publishers Weekly

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #705398 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 310 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Local legend says that Boston's winding streets were the result of errant cows. But the reality the city was patterned on a medieval village is equally fascinating. In The Hub: Boston Past and Present by Thomas H. O'Connor (Building a New Boston), the Boston College emeritus professor of history and noted local historian synthesizes standard references on the city's development, from its 1630 founding through the 1960s desegregation battles and today's redevelopment. His comprehensive narrative is shorter on sociohistorical context than on economic analysis of such civic efforts as the Big Dig, the current construction of new bridges, tunnels and park, running a billion dollars over budget.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
A learned and literate history of the Athens of America. . . . A fine summation of O'Connor's long scholarly career -- Kirkus Reviews

Review
"In The Hub, [O'Connor] synthesizes standard references on the city's development, from its 1630 founding through the 1960s desegregation battles and today's redevelopment." --Publishers Weekly

"A learned and literate history of the Athens of America . . . A fine summation of O'Connor's long scholarly career."--Kirkus Reviews

Customer Reviews

Of that City on a Hill
Harvard University offered an adult evening course on the history of Boston. The course ran weekly for 2 hours during an entire academic year and it was expensive. This would seem to have parochial interest only; it didn't. When Thomas O'Connor held forth, the large lecture hall was filled.
Doctor O'Connor is an inspired lecturer. The facts flowed orderly, abundantly and quite effortlessly into my spiral bounds. This was a refreshing experience that I have not so often encountered [and I have had lots of experience].
My interest in Boston began as a volunteer guide for Boston By Foot. It soon became clear that Boston has stories, legends, myths and scandals at every curb stone. The city is a walkable historical delight for those in the know.
The colonial and maritime importance of Boston can not be overemphasized. Its growth and declines informed and mirrored our national history.
My class notes from Harvard take up two invaluable notebooks. I refer to them often for my tours and lectures.
THIS BOOK IS THOSE NOTES!