Puerto Rico Then and Now (Then & Now Thunder Bay) [Hardcover]

Jorge Rigau (Author)

Book Description

Series: Then & Now Thunder Bay | Publication Date: May 19, 2009

Known for its exotic exports, including sofrito, rum, coffee, and Rita Moreno, Puerto Rico exudes Old World charm. Experience this captivating Caribbean island in Puerto Rico Then and Now. Through pairs of past and present photographs, you’ll see Puerto Rico’s beloved landmarks like you’ve never seen them before. Puerto Rico is rich in colonial architecture—note the city walls, fortifications, cobblestone streets, hanging balconies, and plazas found throughout Old San Juan, Puerto Rico’s distinctive, historical center. Tour La Fortaleza, which once housed Puerto Rico’s stores of gold and silver. Over the years, it survived an attack by Sir Francis Drake, earthquakes, tsunamis, and many hurricanes. Today, La Fortaleza is the governor’s mansion—the world’s oldest such residence in continuous use. Visit Casa Blanca, the ancestral home of Juan Ponce de Leon, Puerto Rico’s first governor. The Ponce de Leon family lived here for more than 250 years; today its patio and gardens are highlights of the Casa Blanca museum. Revisit the beloved Castillo Valdéz, built by the founders of Cerveceria India—one of Puerto Rico’s favorite breweries. Legend has it that Señor Valdéz passed out cold beers to locals when the Castillo was demolished to make way for a modern Hilton hotel.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Architect Jorge Rigau graduated from Cornell University and holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Puerto Rico. He directed the Department of Cultural Affairs for that institution and the Student Arts League of San Juan. First Executive Director of the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico, Rigau has practiced his profession since 1980,having been elevated to Fellow status by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2000. As one of the finest researchers of turn-of-the-century architecture in the Hispanic Caribbean, Rigau has authored the books Puerto Rico 1900 (1992) and Havana/LaHabana (1994). For years, he has been a newspaper critic, having produced a number of writings, articles and projects that have received local and international awards. For more than a decade, Rigau has directed innumerable research and built projects,most related to architecture, urbanism and conservation in the Antilles.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Thunder Bay Press; Bilingual edition (May 19, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592239412
• ISBN-13: 978-1592239412
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Travel > Caribbean > Puerto Rico
  • #21 in Books > History > Americas > Caribbean & West Indies

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Slice of Reality, February 23, 2010

By 

Gustavo A. Mellander, Ph.D., D.H.L. "Gus A. M... (George Mason Univer., Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puerto Rico Then and Now (Then & Now Thunder Bay) (Hardcover)

The photographs are amazing.

How wonderful that the earlier ones have been saved and are now replicated here so they can be enjoyed by us and indeed by future generations. The photos capture an age and a history gone forever.

Yes, time marches on and the pictures of the present realities are at times depressing. But is it pleasant to have visual memories of one's memories. Those who don't have the earlier memories can learn from this book of times gone by.

The book would be a great present for grandparents and yes, for grandchildren as well. Understand and preserve the past!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Look at the Past, January 24, 2010

By 

Mayra I. Pollock Cosme "mayraivelisse" (Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Puerto Rico Then and Now (Then & Now Thunder Bay) (Hardcover)

As a Puerto Rican, it was quite a treat to see historical landmarks the way they were and then compared to their present state. I loved the photos and the journey they have inspired! Now I plan weekends to see and compare some of the sites in the books that are not in my hometown. A must for those who love history, architecture and Puerto Rico. This book is also good if you are taking a history of Puerto Rico class as it will make history more real and will help in visualizing the social-political context of the events you'll be studying.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, September 15, 2009

By 

Karla T. Gonzalez Nunez (Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Puerto Rico Then and Now (Then & Now Thunder Bay) (Hardcover)

The book came in awesome condition. I really like all the pictures and the information about PR (my Caribbean paradise). Its a good way to see how everything was and how it is now.