Philadelphia Originals [Paperback]

Joseph Glantz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2009

A unique and entertaining exploration of the city's style and traditions through various professions: law, commerce, science, art, film, music, sports, cuisine, and humor. Explore the story of Philadelphia by exploring its ties between people, places, and things past and present.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Philadelphia Originals is an important book that all Philadelphians need to read. Through a series of historical vignettes and corresponding images, Mr. Glantz has captured the distinctive character of the city's 'civic culture' that has emerged over the past three centuries. As the former Executive Director of the city's history museum- the Atwater Kent Museum - I highly recommend Philadelphia Originals
--John Alviti. Senior Curator - Franklin Institute Science Museum. Page 2 of the book (added by author)

What a warm-hearted and wonderful book this is. Its embrace of all things Philadelphia, past and present, showcases a great and vibrant American City. Joe Glantz has written a remarkable compendium about a remarkable city. The pages are studded with gems of accomplishment in culture and industry that make our city sparkle. To borrow a great Philadelphia phrase, the book offers readers 'acres of diamonds.'
--John Torsella, President and CEO, National Constitution Center. Page 2 of the book. (added by author)

Philadelphia Originals is a delightful blend of profiles and history, of culture and business. It will be of interest not only to tourists, but also to people who live or work in Greater Philadelphia. The Unique Approach of organizing the book by profession will make it easy and enjoyable to read.
--Meryl Levitz, President and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.Page 2 of the book. (added by author)

Mr. Glantz has undertaken the daunting yet noble task of telling the story of Philadelphia by tying business, art and culture to the people, places and things of Philadelphia's past and present. The premise of Philadelphia Originals is that Philadelphia has a style unto itself that was birthed from two of its founding fathers and well-known citizens, William Penn and Benjamin Franklin. Focusing on the style and traditions of all things 'Philadelphia', Mr. Glantz has pioneered a fresh approach that can be adapted by other historians who wish to tell the story of their city.
--Kim Sajet. President and CEO, Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Page 2 of the book (added by author)

A veritable crash course in all that's cool about the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia Originals is the perfect match for anyone who's ever called Philadelphia home. Bucks County's Glantz delivers one of the most satisfying regional tomes we've ever come across--packed with information about the city's food, style, cultural and architectural assets, movers and shakers, history makers, and more. Next time you have a few hours to do nothing, do something worthwhile and read this book.
-- Main Line Today (added by author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 303 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (August 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764333380
• ISBN-13: 978-0764333385
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.9 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,369,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joseph Glantz serves as consuting editor for the Wild River Review, an online magazine emphasizing the mixture of world literature and world cultures. He is the author of the humor column, Interviews with the Famously Departed.

For details on book signings, other books and other writings please link to www.wildriverreview.com/joeglantz

He practiced law in Bucks County with his father Samuel Glantz for twelve years. He designed large-scale databases for AT&T. He has done media anyalysis of Microsoft and Hewlett Packard for TNS. He does copyediting for Farlex, Inc. an online educational website.

Joe graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (BA), Drexel University (MS) and George Washington Law School (JD).

Joe's writings have appeared on the op-ed pages of the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Bucks County Courier Times. His writings have also appeared in the Philadelphia Lawyer, the Pennsylvania Lawyer and the Bucks County Writer.

His favorite quote is William Penn's "Where wit has wisdom to express it, now there's the best orator."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A must for Anyone who Loves the City of Brotherly Love January 12, 2010

By Joy E. Stocke-young

Format:Paperback

As a transplant to Philadelphia, I've fallen in love with the city, so it has been a great pleasure to own Philadelphia Originals.

In this generous survey of a city he obviously loves, Joseph Glantz gives us an informative and witty look at what makes Philadelphia a great city.

With compelling art and photographs by mostly Philadelphia artists and its clever system of organization - by profession such as law, literature, art and music - Glantz gives us much to think about as he takes us on a knowledgeable and thoroughly researched journey.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reading, great gift! March 13, 2010

By wiz

Format:Paperback

Philadelphia Originals is a great book for anyone with Philadelphia roots. This title touches on many of the areas of the Philadelphia experience that bind us to the city. Joseph Glantz presents the topics, including sports, history, art, in a clear manner, artfully illustrated with photos, drawings, and reproductions. Though I fled the city for the suburbs, my heart has always stayed close to Billy Penn's hat. I appreciate the treatment the author has given our Philly and I highly recommend Philadelphia Originals.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Philadelphia Originals is original February 8, 2010

By Dale H. Cotton

Format:Paperback

Reading about the history of a city through the exploits of the people who held various professions there is an informative and enjoyable way to learn Philadelphia's history. Glantz has provided excellent illustrations and text in making Philly come alive. From artists like Claes Oldenberg to sports heroes like Dr. J, the book offers tidbits of information you cannot find elsewhere.

Dale Cotton

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Philadelphia overview February 15, 2010

By Elaine

Format:Paperback

Joseph Glantz put together a fantastic book about Philadelphia. He has focused on the things the city is most known for. I highly recommend this book!