The Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh in the Twenty-first Century [Paperback]

Brian O'Neill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 7, 2009 | ISBN-10: 088748509X | ISBN-13: 978-0887485091 | Edition: 01

This isn't so much a history of Pittsburgh, as it is a biography. Sometimes we're so afraid of what others think, we're afraid to declare who we are. This city is not Midwestern. It's not East Coast. It's just Pittsburgh, and there's no place like it. That's both its blessing and its curse.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Brian O'Neill is a wonderful writer. He analyzed perfectly Pittsburgh's unerring habit of screwing itself. I love his book.

Annie Dillard

A lovely paean to Pittsburgh; that is: a joyously exultant song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph.

Brian O'Neill truly appreciates what this city is, scars and all. This is a terrific book. This guy gets it.

From the Back Cover

"Brian O'Neill truly appreciates what this city is, scars and all. This is a terrific book. This guy gets it.'' -- Michael Keaton, actor and Pittsburgh native.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Carnegie Mellon University Press; 01 edition (September 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088748509X
• ISBN-13: 978-0887485091
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #101,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amusing, Thoughtful, and Hopeful, October 29, 2009

By 

James A. Neel (Pittsburgh) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh in the Twenty-first Century (Paperback)

This is not only a great book about Pittsburgh in the early 21st century, it is an important book for anybody who cares about the future of traditional American cities. O'Neill has an unapologetic love for his adopted hometown, but he also understands its problems and the many challenges Pittsburgh and similar cities face in the coming decades. He shares many charming stories about the city and its people, but frankly addresses the obstacles Pittsburgh must overcome: a dwindling tax base, a lack of political leadership at the local and state levels, and the occasional flare of provincialism. In the end, however, O'Neill makes a great case for living in and enjoying the city now while believing the coming years will be better. I loved this book.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love Pittsburgh, Love a good read, Buy this book for everyone, December 28, 2009

By 

Jennifer Curley - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh in the Twenty-first Century (Paperback)

My friend from Greentree got this book from a relative in Pittsburgh. She opened it and said, "Geeze, she really likes Pittsburgh" and then threw it down. I picked it up and read the entire book in a couple of hours. Great book and a good read. I love Pittsburgh, I went to Chatham, and although I have lived right outside San Francisco for 35 years, Pittsburgh will always have a piece of my heart.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both revelation and realism, July 22, 2010

By 

Sunflower - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh in the Twenty-first Century (Paperback)

Having lived in or near Pittsburgh for 3/4 of a century I have seen it transformed from the "smoky city" to the "Renaissance City". This book will bring back memories, both pleasant and thought-provoking to residents of Pittsburgh It will introduce non-residents to one of the most attractive cities in the Mid-Atlantic. The author writes with clarity and humor and brings the city and brings the ethnic mix of people to life. Pittsburgh has become one of the financial centers of the country while developing an art district that compares well with any other larger city. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is world-renowned. The Paris of Apalachia, will entice people to visit this magnisficant city.