Boston's West End (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)) [Paperback]

Anthony Mitchell Sammarco (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 1998 | Series: Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)

Within these pages, author Anthony Mitchell Sammarco brings to life the history of Boston's West End the area of the city bound by the Charles River and Storrow Drive as well as North Station, City Hall Plaza, and Myrtle Street. Once a thriving, energetic, and diverse neighborhood, the West End was slated for complete removal following World War II. In over 200 marvelous photographs, this collection recaptures fond memories for former residents and shows newcomers the history of the West End. Now the site of luxury, high-rise apartment buildings, condominiums, and stores, Boston's West End was once the site of many Bulfinch-designed townhouses owned by prominent families. In later years, the neighborhood was home to a diverse ethnic and religious community of families who arrived in Boston from all parts of the world. Today, three decades after the West End was virtually leveled, it is still fondly remembered by many who once called it home.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The author of over 20 Images of America books, Anthony Mitchell Sammarco takes us back to the golden age of Boston's West End in this exciting new installment. The history of this fascinating neighborhood is sure to appeal to young and old alike, and Boston's West End will be treasured for years to come. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (October 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0752412574
• ISBN-13: 978-0752412573
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,379,213 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very informative - A sad story which had to be told., September 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Boston's West End (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)) (Paperback)

The photographic essay which is this book is quite remarkable. Not many communities in the world have seen such complete annilation short of destruction by war or natural disaster. This working class city neighborhood, which somehow did not fit into the masterplan, was completely destroyed. I wish it explained how it happened, how the government was able to kick everyone out of their homes. This photo essay portrays an awesome sense of community and neighborhood which once was, never to be replaced by the highrise apartments which were erected in its place. The replacement community, which has developed over the past 35 years was not a fair trade. Anyone who sees what is there now and compares it to what was clear cut away will agree. The plight of the Westenders is not easy to argue with after seeing the pages. After seeing the photographs you can't help but feel very sad for the people and what happened to them in the old West End. This is a true must read for anyone who now resides in Charles River Park and anyone who is doing research on urban renewal.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT!, February 22, 2008

By 

J. Price "JPNNH" (Nashua, NH) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Boston's West End (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)) (Paperback)

I bought this book for my 85 year old mom who grew up on Leverett St in the West End. I remember going there as a child too. My mom loved the book...It brought back so many memories for her. The pictures are excellent & she read it 2 times before passing it on to a neighbor who found a picture of his mother in it. I highly recommend this book.

3.0 out of 5 stars worthy item, medium photo repro quality, February 1, 2011

By 

Gerald Siegel (Mililani Town, HI United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Boston's West End (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)) (Paperback)

Mediocre print quality but better than nothing. One photo of police chief mislabeled. Clearly a fire captain...still worth having in the library. Would love to see these images in higher res on glossy stock though.