Customer Reviews

Pittsburgh, Then and Now

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Pittsburgh Then and Now is one of the best pictoral historical books around. Everybody knows about the history of steel in Pittsburgh but few know about its local history. This book is one that tells both stories. The pictures shown range from the steel mills of the Pittsburgh area, to the different steps of the city. Each picture of the past is contrasted with a picture of the present.

During each scene there is a brief explaination about the history of the change, although each picture could easily be explained in more detail. Even though these explainations may not be in great depth they help you to decide what area of history you may want to research, such as the steel mills, the north side, or the bridges.

This book is one that I would recommend to anyone who would like to see the history of Pittsburgh. Each picture gives you a feeling of what many long time residents of Pittsburgh viewed during its change.

This book is a fantastic guide to all Pittsburghers, and everyone else, everywhere else. I am an interior design and architecture student and this was one of the most helpful books to not only learn about my city, but to learn about who designed each building, when it was erected, and if/when it was torn down.

It contains some of the best photographs of Pittsburgh, past and present, and really makes you realize how much this city has changed. I would recommend this to anyone, whether you can read or not, whether you have been in Pittsburgh or have lived here your entire life, if youre an architecture student, or just like old time photos of how things used to be.

A must have book. I bought one originally for a friend in Philly as a "hint" to come to Pittsburgh, and have since bought one for myself, my grandparents, and family out in California.

My 27 year old son decided to spend a long weekend with his 86 year young grandfather in Pittsburgh. The "Then" and "Now" photos enabled old memories and Pittsburgh's progress to be on common ground between them. Of particular interest are the early pictures of the steel production complete with the "smoke" (what we called it in the 1950s, now understood to be toxic pollution), so obvious in the old photos. Many of the photos also confirm my impression that Pittsburgh, like many of the rust belt cities, had a certain flair that newer cosmopolitan areas lack. All in all, the three of us enjoyed the weekend together, contrasting then and now.

If you love Pittsburgh, Pa. then this is a book for you. The picture's are wonderful and the little stories that come with them are of great interest. Have gone throught book couple of times and you can always spot something new in the picture's. Well done.

My wife wanted copies of this book for her 90 year old somewhat senile aunt. She also got a copy for her brother who grew up in Wilkensburg. I spent some time looking the book over and noted that the "now" photos are somewhat obsolete. IMHO it is a good start, especially with the photos of areas "near and dear" to the author. Unfortunately, he is from the south hills and I grew up in the north hills.