A Short History of Charleston [Paperback]

Robert N. Rosen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1997

Paperback

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: University of South Carolina Press (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570031975
• ISBN-13: 978-1570031977
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #353,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Travel > United States > States > South Carolina

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book to start with if you're into Charleston, February 12, 2001

By 

rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Short History of Charleston (Paperback)

We were, there in this wonderful, historic southern gem on vacation. In a wonderful, large, bookstore, we inquired, what book if you want to learn more about the history. This is it, the local experts said.

It is, well written from the beginnings of Charles Town up to Hurrican Hugo, the prose is lively and attention keeping.

Especially to be enjoyed is the side-bar entries of primarily people and architecture which add much to the verbal discussion going on the page.

To go further in study, the author provides this wisdom: "there appear to me to be more bad books written about Charleston than just about any subject I know." So he lists those he knows are worthy and recommended on each time period. Helpful!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Short History of Charleston by Robert N. Rosen, June 2, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Short History of Charleston (Paperback)

I've just returned from a short visit to Charleston and Rosen's "Short History to Charleston" was a perfect comrade in preparation for the tour. His book is a fun and quick read full of all the sort of information one needs to delect in Charleston's fascinating history. Not only does it give a rather complete, albeit brief, historical account of Charleston's dramatic evolution from beginning to near present day, but every page provides descriptions of remarkable individuals or events which enhance and delight the reader's experience of Charleston's history all of which are most often embellished with remarkable illustrations. I highly recommend this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good overview, August 18, 2009

By 

G. McKee "G McKee" (Annapolis, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Short History of Charleston (Paperback)

I visited Charleston a few weeks ago for probably the fifth or sixth time. It has become a favorate vacation spot for my family. While there I took a walking tour with a local historian and at the conclusion of the tour I asked for recommendations on books to read that covered Charleston history. He recommended two books. "Read "A Short History of Charleston" first as that is a good solid overview of the history of Charleston. When your done start reading "Charleston! Charleston!: The History of a Southern City" by Walter Fraser." he said. "Charleston! Charleston! is very detailed and you will lose your way without having an idea where everything fits. A Short History will give you a good solid foundation from which to tackle "Charleston! Charleston!" Well I took his advice and have just finished A Short History.

I have just started "Charleston! Charleston!" so I can't yet comment on how the books differ but "A Short History of Charleston" was a perfect vacation read. It was very readable with just the right amount of detail to keep the story moving along. I will appreciate my visits to Charleston that much more now that I have a better idea as to how the city started and grew into what it is now as opposed to knowing a few stories here and there from different time periods.

If you are planning on vacationing in Charleston, do your self a favor and read this book before you go as it will give you a much greater apprecaition for the wonderful city that awaits you. If you have already vacationed there then you will want to go back and rediscover elements of the city that you may have overlooked before. I know that is how I feel and I already want to book my next trip.