Charleston: Alone Among the Cities (SC) (Images of America) [Paperback]

South Carolina Historical Society (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2, 2000

Few cities linger in the imagination as does Charleston. A place where legend meets history, Charleston commands a special seat in the Southern experience, from its commercial influence in colonial America, to its genteel traditions in the antebellum South, to its incendiary role in the Civil

War. An American institution of its own, this peninsula city attracts millions of visitors each year with its diverse architectural treasures, its breathtaking placement between marsh and sea, and its Lowcountry citizens' reputation for elegance and grace. This unique visual history explores the Charleston of distant memory through vivid black-and-white photographs taken from the late 1800s through the 1950s--a time when the city experienced economic decline and gradual recovery. Exploring a cityscape much different than today's well-worn tourists' paths, readers will discover a "new" Charleston, a

city vibrant with culture and style, even in its areas of decay. From south of Broad Street, around downtown, and up the peninsula neck, Charleston: Alone Among the Cities provides readers of all ages a rare opportunity to stroll through their favorite section of town and to survey the city through the eyes of residents of yesteryear.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

On behalf of the South Carolina Historical Society, editors C. Patton Hash and W. Eric Emerson have compiled a remarkable tribute, in word and image, to the Holy City. Whether a native or newcomer to this beloved coastal community, Charleston: Alone Among the Cities will prove a valuable and cherished addition to any reader's personal library.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (December 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738505897
• ISBN-13: 978-0738505893
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 9.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,507,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely look at vintage Charleston..., February 8, 2006

By 

Cynthia K. Robertson (beverly, new jersey USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Charleston: Alone Among the Cities (SC) (Images of America) (Paperback)

Charleston: Alone Among the Cities, published by the South Carolina Historical Society, is a lovely book that looks back at vintage Charleston. The book is filled with photographs that are broken down into areas of the city including South of Broad, Downtown, the French Quarter, Ansonborough, Harleston Village, East Side, West Side and Charleston Neck. Most of them are taken in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

After the Civil War, Charlestonians found themselves strapped for cash. So when subsequent disasters hit including fires, hurricanes and the earthquake of 1886, they could only afford to repair rather than rebuild. Because of this, many of the old buildings are still around to enjoy today. The photographs in Alone Among the Cities include everything from churches, homes, business areas, parks, hospitals, schools, hotels and institutions. But it also provides a look at the darker side of Charleston including the Slave Market, slum houses and a segregated city. Some areas and buildings don't look much different than they do today. But tragically, more than a few of these beautiful landmarks have been lost or destroyed.

One section that I found really fascinating was about the little known South Carolina and West Indian Exposition of 1901-1902. Modeled after the popular Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893, a magnificent Ivory City was erected on the site of what is now Hampton Park. Prior to reading Alone Among the Cities, I new nothing about this world fair. Sadly, nothing remains of the impressive but shoddily constructed buildings.

Although each photograph includes some history about the city, this book is by no means a comprehensive look at Charleston. Still, it's a fabulous book for those interested in Charleston-especially for a look at what went before. It's also a good book in that it doesn't lose sight of the fact that although Charleston is one of the most beautiful cities in America, she is not without some ugly history.