Chronicles of Old Boston: Exploring New England's Historic Capital (Chronicles Series)

Few people have a greater knowledge of Boston history than Charles Bahne. His book The Complete Guide to Boston's Freedom Trail, in print for over 25 years, is still the definitive guide to the city's historic sites. I ran into Charlie recently and purchased a signed copy of his latest book Chronicles of Old Boston. Simply put - it is an absolute gem. The historian conveys 29 dramatic true stories spanning Boston's 400-year history. From the Puritans to Paul Revere; abolitionists to the city's literary giants; Alexander Graham Bell to the queen of the Back Bay; Babe Ruth, the Great Molasses Flood, the Kennedys, MLK and much much more Charlie tell stories that intrigue, and entertain. As if those tales were not enough, he has added 90 pages outlining 8 specific walking tours of Boston, Harvard Square and the environs. The book is lavishly illustrated in full color, contains over 450 illustrations and photographs and 20 detailed maps. Nearly every story I've read taught me something about old Boston that I did not know before. And that coming from a fellow historian and tour guide. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Another work by Charles Bahne destined to be in print for a long long time.

History Buffs travel guide book. No restaurant or shopping info, just history, buildings and architecture. First part contains 29 true stories of the development and growth of Boston. Second part contains 8 walking tours with maps. Lots of photos. Focus of book is history, and if you are interested in the "why" of development, then this book is for you. I have six books in this series and none have disappointed. Entire series is highly recommend.

I found this book to be very accurate, genuine and clearly written. I am an avid reader of history, especially Boston history. This is much more than the plethora of watered down guide books out there. this book does not just guide one through Boston, It takes you back, it sparks the imagination, and if you allow, it almost transports you back in time, if even for the briefest moment. Detailed maps, wonderful illustrations and some early photographs of Boston complete this package for me. As a lifelong Boston resident I highly recommend this book to both locals and visitors alike.

A very useful work with interesting information about the city quite in line with much of the rest of the series. The work is well organized with good graphics and with good maps as well. A typo here or there has been noted.For the work's size and price,I believe it would be difficult to beat.

This book has so much more than I expected: lots of brief chapters packed with interesting historical facts and stories, maps, pictures, detailed walking tours and a comprehensive index. A great travel companion that I know I will re-read many times. So well done on so many levels. History chapters stand alone; walking tours stand alone; but best to read both as they enhance each other.

i enjoyed reading this after DK Eyewitness guide to Boston. It gives a chronological history of the highlights in Boston.

This book will be extremely interesting to anyone who lives in Boston. In addition to a comprehensive *though brief) history, the author identifies the current location of most of the events and places he describes (street names have changed, etc.) This information makes it so much more interesting to walk around the city!

I got this for a Christmas present for someone who loves visiting Boston. The walking tours are really great as outlined in the book with pictures and maps.