The Galveston That Was (Sara and John Lindsey Series in the Arts and Humanities) [Hardcover]

Howard Barnstone (Author), Henri Cartier-Bresson (Photographer), Ezra Stoller (Photographer), Peter Brink (Afterword)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: TAMU Press (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089096887X
• ISBN-13: 978-0890968871
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,186,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful photos; fascinating history, April 12, 2000

By 

Foghlaimeoir (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Galveston That Was (Hardcover)

The city of Galveston, Texas was a vibrant, prosperous port at the start of the 20th century, outstripping even New Orleans. Fine Victorian homes were built by prosperous merchants, many in grand style. The deadly hurricane of 1900 dealt the city a blow from which it never entirely recovered. But Galveston's economic slump had a silver lining -- as shown in "The Galveston That Was." There was no economic incentive to tear the old homes down; so scores of these remarkable Victorian homes survived, though many fell into disrepair. Howard Barnstone secured two superb photographers and wrote text for this beautiful book, which displays the faded glory of Galveston's Victorian architecture. The book's first edition inspired Galvestonians to restore many of these homes, and sparked a preservation revival there that lasts to this day. Always a beach destination, Galveston now draws visitors to the Texas coast for beautifully restored Victorian homes and historic business district, the Strand. The book's photographs are simply beautiful and the concise history of Galveston is intriguing.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE GLORIES OF GALVESTON, July 10, 2005

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Galveston That Was (Sara and John Lindsey Series in the Arts and Humanities) (Hardcover)

She endures soaring ups and crashing downs; she is sometimes called "Oleander City;" she was the third largest port in the nation in the late 1800s - she is Galveston, undaunted and enjoying a renaissance that began in the 1970s.

"The Galveston That Was," containing numerous updates and corrections, is a republication of the 1966 edition. With photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ezra Stoller, this handsome volume not only pays visual tribute to the architectural glories of Galveston, but also captures its indomitable spirit. In the mansions and public buildings built during the city's heyday is found an astounding display of Victorian architecture.

The Heidenheimer Castle boasts a tower and wall construction of poured cement and oyster shell. An attached porch may have been built as a "ruin" because "The Victorians adored buildings in a half-ruined state; they called it `pleasing decay.'"

The Customs House, a study in Greek Revival, is awash in cast-iron balustrades, window frames, columns, cornices and dentils. Undoubtedly, it was once one of the city's most significant buildings. These and countless more examples of mid 19th century architecture are presented from various angles in stunning photographs.

The text is a valuable lesson in Texas history as well as a fascinating story of the lives of many who had an impact on the Queen City.

- Gail Cooke

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent transaction; excellent book, April 3, 2009

By 

Donna Gideon "Live life loud" (Galveston Island) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Galveston That Was (Sara and John Lindsey Series in the Arts and Humanities) (Hardcover)

The book is an easy read. It was written just after the "big demolition" of the 60's so some of the historical homes shown were destroyed. Addresses of the homes are included so you can actually visit them and live history today. I am going to use the book to document what impact Hurricane Ike had on these homes. Being a Galveston Islander, I am still dealing with the devestating impact of Hurricane Ike. This book will be another history lesson to pass down through my family. 4/3/09