Lost Boston

by Anthony Mitchell Sammarco

Lost Boston  traces the cherished places in a city that time, progress and fashion have swept aside before concerned citizens or the National Register of Historic Places could save them from the wrecker's ball or the graveyard of history. Organised chronologically starting with the earliest losses and ending with the latest, the book features much-loved insitutions that failed to stand the test of time, along with old-fashioned hotels and sports facilities that were beyond updating or refurbishment. Losses Franklin Place, Boston City Hall, Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Hancock House, Gleason’s Publishing Hall, Fort Hill, Franklin Street, Boston Coliseum, Boylston Market, Merchants Exchange, Haymarket Square, Boston Public Library, Horticultural Hall, Boston Museum Museum of Fine Arts, Revere House (Hotel), Huntington Avenue Grounds, Charlestown City Hall, Molasses Tank, Cyclorama, Readville Trotting Park and Race Track, East Boston Airport, Boston Latin School, East Boston Ferries, Braves Field, Massachusetts State Prison, Boston Opera House, Boston Aquarium, The Howard Athenaeum and Dudley Street Station.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Anthony Mitchell Sammarco is a noted historian and author of over sixty books on the history and development of Boston, and he lectures widely on the history and development of his native city. He commenced writing in 1995, and his books Lost Boston, The History of Howard Johnson’s: How A Massachusetts Soda Fountain Became a Roadside Icon, and The Baker Chocolate Company: A Sweet History
are among his many books that have made local bestseller lists.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book at my local library and loved it so much I purchased it for my home. It really is the perfect coffee table book that I or guests can pick up and spend a few minutes or a few hours looking at. It's so interesting to learn about the way Boston was shaped by everything from industry to natural disasters, and to look at all the incredible buildings that no longer exist. Some of them are so beautiful you'll wonder what they were ever thinking tearing them down. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Boston and history. It would also make a wonderful gift!

[Anna L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the range of architecture presented in this book, but it could have used better editing on the text. It's not very pleasant to encounter "Fashionable" 3-4 times per page...

[Jenn Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exploration of Boston sites that no longer exist - some I have known for a long time, many I had never heard of. Great images and info

[Ron Maskell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book, I learnt so much about my adopted home town.