The Hub: Boston Past and Present [Paperback]

Thomas H. O'Connor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 3, 2002

From the Revolutionary War to the Big Dig, Boston and its people have played a colorful and often controversial role in shaping the nation's political, economic, and cultural landscape. In this sweeping history of the Hub's rich heritage, Thomas H. O'Connor reveals an ever-changing and resilient city that has adapted to many significant upheavals without losing its distinct personality.

Filled with dramatic local events as well as intriguing characters, this engaging account evokes the spirit and soul of Boston, both yesterday and today.

Editorial Reviews

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.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 310 pages
• Publisher: Northeastern (October 3, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555535445
• ISBN-13: 978-1555535445
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #852,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Of that City on a Hill, March 10, 2008

By 

Tod F. Forman "tod" (boston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hub: Boston Past and Present (Hardcover)

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!