Pittsburgh: The Story of an American City

I was given this book when I first moved to Pittsburgh 42 years ago. It is beautifully put together and was enormously helpful in helping me understand the historical background and big forces that caused the city to become what it has been, at least up to the 1960s or 1970s or so. Its weakness is that it is not up to date, as the author died a while ago. Nevertheless, I still find it to be a very useful reference, and I still give it to friends and new arrivals to the 'Burgh.

My nephew and his wife, who live in Pittsburgh, were thrilled to receive this book for Christmas. They both are excited to read about their city's history. Their two young sons will enjoy learning the history of Pittsburgh. This book is well-written and has many pictures included. A high recommendation for this book to anyone who would like to learn the history of how Pittsburgh came to be the city it is today.

If you live in Western Pennsylvania, and/or have an interest in history, this is the book for you. Pittsburgh: The Story of an American City I would buy it again in a heartbeat! Here's why:Not only is this book organized chronologically, and its writing superbly composed, but the rare photos, paintings, and sketches chosen are described so that historic events REALLY are understandable. If only the schoolbooks of my youth presented history like this, I wouldn't have had such a time.

Wonderful book. My father was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I have visited there. So much to read Illustrated and photos 5 stars

I loved that this book was so comprehensive. The photographs that accompanied each page brought Pittsburgh's history to life in an engaging way. However, as a woman, certain pages made me uncomfortable. For example, there are photos of women nonchalantly walking down the street wearing miniskirts with a caption that reads, "Though fashion trends have changed, the women of Pittsburgh remain as beautiful as ever." There's another feature with pictures of women's legs, and another with just secretaries that worked throughout the city that reads, "There is hardly an office in the city of Pittsburgh without a beautiful office worker. Here are some samples." Some samples? Samples?? Ugh. Besides the blatant objectification of women, this book is pretty great. I keep this book on my coffee table and all of my visitors are drawn to it because it really is a fascinating representation of our city's history.One other thing is that I wish this had a little more information about Pittsburgh's strong pre-European history.

👍👍👍👍👍👍

Buyer beware - the book is 20 years out of date so if your hoping to read about Pittsburgh’s renaissance into a 21st century tech city you’ll be sadly disappointed. But if you’re looking just for an old fashioned history from the 1700’s to 2000 - buy it! Loads of photo’s both black and white and color!

It was a gift which was received eagerly.

Pittsburgh was the first USA city I ever visited.I arrived at night when it was all spectacularly lit up! I had the last two versions of Lorant's book and realised that there was the 1999 version. So I purchased it. It is excellent describing the evolving history of a great US city. Thanks Stefan!