Customer Reviews

Houses of Boston's Back Bay

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Bunting's book is definitive, scholarly yet readable. He defines various architectural features, as well as outlining technological and cost elements, of representative 'mansions/townhouses' built in post civil war Boston. It is fascinating. I found it best read through once for the total picture then used as a selective reference (for example: the intersection of the changes in heating technology on design). Photos are provided to illustrate points made.

Bunting has put together a comprehensive study of the Back Bay's wide-ranging architecture and history. The book can be appreciated by the architectural scholar as well as the more casual reader.

I have owned a copy of this book for many years and am constantly referring to it to learn more about a specific building or a style of architecture.

You'll find the text easy to read, either in one sitting or over time. The author seems to know everything there is to know about the Back Bay's buildings.

There are not too many photos but the ones that are there show off buildings existing and long-gone. It would be wonderful if there could be an updated version with an expanded photo gallery.

An added treat: at the end of the book is a street-by-street, building-by-building list of which architect built which building and for whom. A great cheat sheet.

If you're looking for a companion purchase, "Gaining Ground" by Nancy Seasholes is great. More of a "coffee table" book than a straight read, it's full of fascinating information and images.