Customer Reviews

The Proper Bostonians

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

 

 

Cleveland Amory, best known for his writings for his love of animals, first wrote this most interesting view of the city of Boston. Boston is one of America's most well known cities, and Amory gives an insight into the fabric that makes up the social framework of the city. Gilded with facts that give the reader a chance to see how Boston thinks (such as tearing down the historical home of John Hancock when the taxes went unpaid), this book is fascinating because it is real. Truth is stranger than fiction, and Boston as presented here rings true. The main drawback to the book is that one wishes an update on the world of the Proper Bostonians was available.

My maternal grandmother was a proper Bostonian in many ways, but I never understood that or how it affected the following generations (including me) until I read this book. I ordered two copies from two different dealers. They were different editions, but both were in excellent shape despite the age. My only regret is that original hardcover edition had a unique map, copies of dance invitations, and a portrait of Isabella Stewart Gardner that is referenced in the text. These illustrations were not carried over to the paperbook editions. This is a MUST BUY for anyone who wants to understand Boston.

It is amazing how little has changed since this book was written. The changes that have taken place are interesting to note. A great light read and a good joke gift for the snobby Bostonian on your list.