A charming and indispensable guide to the major buildings in Boston built from 1630 to 1850.

"A guidebook for Boston's 50 oldest buildings. Written in a conversational manner that does not bog the reader down in technical jargon, but allows them to see the history of Boston through the lens of its oldest structures while appreciating decades of efforts to preserve its built environment"--

From Fenway Park to Boston's first school exclusively for black children, Boston Sites and Insights goes beyond standard guidebooks to tell the personal, political, religious, and architectural histories of more than fifty beloved Boston landmarks. 54 bandw photographs.

What do the oldest black church in the country, an Arts-and-Crafts-style artists' studio building, a concrete football stadium, and an acoustically perfect performance space have in common? They are all National Historic Landmarks located in Boston. In fact, the city boasts more National Historic Landmarks per square mile than any other major city in the country. Given Boston's long history and record of accomplishments, it's really not surprising that 57 properties—from the nation's oldest subway tunnel to a floating lighthouse—have received this designation. Add in the adjoining cities of Cambridge and Brookline and the number swells. Historic Boston includes the most rewarding and easily visited landmarks. That's a lot of history in 103 square miles. The Secretary of the Interior designates the status of National Historic Landmark to places considered “exceptional because of their abilities to illustrate U.S. heritage.” More simply put, they are the places that resonate broadly with us, that we cherish, and want to pass on to future generations. The list is surprisingly diverse. In metro Boston, it includes an historic church with a stunning collection of Tiffany windows, a Transcendentalist community, a Grand Banks schooner, and the home and studio of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

In this follow-up book to Historic Buildings of Washington, D.C., author and artist Scott Clowney highlights, through beautifully detailed line drawings, iconic buildings and buildings off the beaten path that give shape to historic Boston, capital city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and largest city in New England. Accompanied by informative descriptions, buildings include Boston City Hall, Burrage Mansion, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Old North Church, and the Paul Revere House, among others. Reimagine these architectural landmarks with crayons, colored pencils, pens, and markers. Make a mark with your own colorful and creative expression!

There are thousands of people who have never seen (and are not likely ever to see) the interesting capital of Massachusetts, to whom, however, this volume will recommend itself, for various reasons. Boston is especially dear to us Americans and reading Mr. Drake's well-written volume is like reading the record of the sayings and doings of the colonialists.