A Short History of Charleston

by Robert N. Rosen

A lively chronicle of the South's most renowned city from the founding of colonial Charles Town through the present day

A Short History of Charleston—a lively chronicle of the South's most renowned and charming city—has been hailed by critics, historians, and especially Charlestonians as authoritative, witty, and entertaining. Beginning with the founding of colonial Charles Town and ending three hundred and fifty years later in the present day, Robert Rosen's fast-paced narrative takes the reader on a journey through the city's complicated history as a port to English settlers, a bloodstained battlefield, and a picturesque vacation mecca. Packed with anecdotes and enlivened by passages from diaries and letters, A Short History of Charleston recounts in vivid detail the port city's development from an outpost of the British Empire to a bustling, modern city.

This revised and expanded edition includes a new final chapter on the decades since Joseph Riley was first elected mayor in 1975 through its rapid development in geographic size, population, and cultural importance. Rosen contemplates both the city's triumphs and its challenges, allowing readers to consider how Charleston's past has shaped its present and will continue to shape its future.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Architecture

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Paco Paco · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice Charleston primer

A strong conversational style book about the events and people that have shaped Charleston. It reads like you are having dinner with someone who really understands hw Charleston came to be and where it is at today in 2022. While the past takes center stage the final chapter about the last 50 years really helps bridge the gap with what is happening today. I chose this book to help give context to a vacation in Charleston and it helped add color.

[Margaret McCartney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book traces Charleston's history from its founding in 1670 to the present day, covering the city's evolution from a small colonial outpost to a major port city and cultural center. It highlights Charleston's unique architecture, its role in the slave trade, its involvement in the Civil War, and its resilience in the face of natural disasters.

The book focuses on the city of Charleston itself as the main character. It is not a story about individuals but about the evolution of a place and its people over time.

its colonial beginnings, its rise as a major port, its involvement in the slave trade and Civil War, and its ongoing development. Rosen meticulously details the city's architectural heritage, its cultural significance, and its resilience in the face of numerous challenges, including natural disasters.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, from a small South Carolina press, doesn't have the polish of most nationally published works, but it was perfect for my purpose -- preparing me to visit Charleston next month. There was a lot of great historical information, as well as very specific details about 18th century homes and other sites in the city. I enjoyed the tangential information given in sidebars, the many sketches and photographs, and even the bibliography! Honestly, my favorite thing about the book was the pride the author took in his city, while owning both the good times and the bad.

3.5 stars.

[R Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for context before a visit to Charleston - was a great read as a primer on its history. Was really nice to experience the city and understand the historical context.

Detailed enough to tell Charleston's story, but brief enough to move quickly. Riley era dragged a bit.

Leaves you wanting more but hey, it's supposed to be a short history, not a long history! A good start before diving into deeper topics with other resources.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

At least this book acknowledged Charleston’s central role in the slave trade and the Civil War. Although Charleston struggled with Reconstruction and had its’ issues with Jim Crow laws and limiting the rights of black people, it had a progressive mayor from 1975-2015 that did much to improve on race relations and push the city to rebuild itself into the powerhouse city it had once been / while preserving much of its history.

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was heading to Charleston for a trip and wanted to learn about the history of the city and this was the perfect book. The narration is engaging, the events are exciting, and overall it’s a great overview

[Julie Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and dirty guide to the history of Charleston.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and entertaining. An excellent read for anyone who loves Charleston.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The foreward says it all.

[Mike McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I read was a 2021 revision and had current info on the 2015 Emanuel AME church shooting. Good follow on to the Demon of Unrest. Of course included pre and post Civil War history.

[Mindy Greiling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent background for our upcoming Road Scholar trip and recommended by them.

[Ana Menendez-tuckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent book was recommended by the docent of the Manigault House-Museum during our first visit to this lovely city. I am only sorry that I did not read it before enjoying the many Charleston sites but will certainly review before I return. The chapters provide enough info to appreciate the history and culture of every single neighborhood. I followed along with my "Streetwise Charleston" map and virtually relived our walks with a new, richer perspective.

[Fred Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best most easily read history of one of the most historic cities in America. If you are looking for a short and engaging history of Charleston, SC then this is the book for you!

[Sue K H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was recommended by our Tour guide in Charleston. It was very interesting but not as good as our guide!

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosen is able to accomplish a great deal in 170 pages. Well told and easy to read. Enjoyed it.

[Jimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually a fascinating read.

[Sonee Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive and short history in Charleston. Interesting but not riveting.