Massachusetts Books

This extraordinary book brings together a confluence of compelling themes: The history of a city and its self concept; the evolution of city planning and the politics of public space; visionary thinking and the implications of decisions on the future of urban living; and the visual record of 19th century Boston through historical photographs and maps. These ideas have been woven into a highly readable book, stunningly designed by Yasuyo Iguchi. For anyone who lives in or has lived in Boston, this book is the best history of the city's evolution. For others who may not be as compelled by the specific story of how the Charles River came to be or the significance of the Big Dig, this book is a fascinating and provocative exploration of the implications that face all cities as they envision themselves into the future. How should public space be used? Who decides what is the public good? Haglund cares passionately about these issues and has assembled a thoughtful, readable and provocative response to these important questions. Don't miss it.

This book received an Award of Honor from the American Society of Landscape Architects Professional Awards Program in 2003.

From an engaging written history to a survey of historic and cultural sites, Irish pubs and gift shops, and annual events, any present or past Bostoner will find Michael P. Quinlin's Irish Boston: A Lively Look At Boston's Colorful Irish Past, Including Museums, Historic Sites, Pubs, Music, Dancing, And Much More an excellent purchase celebrating both the past history of the Irish in Boston and their present-day culture and influences. Especially notable are chapters which focus on famous and notable Irish personalities in Boston, making for a fine blend of history, biography and travelogue all under one cover.

This comprehensive peek at the culture behind America's most Irish city is fascinating if you are interested in Irish American history. I was impressed by this "labor of love" by the author, and his tribute to the city's Irish community is heartfelt. Particularly interesting are the inclusion of not only photos and great content, but a guide to interesting destinations, Irish pubs, events and other reasons to visit Boston. A great gift for anyone with kelly green blood in their veins, I bought three for Christmas gifts! Thanks, Michael, for such a sincere and thorough chronicle of this important Boston community.

Fascinating look at the International Six-Days Trial (later known as the ISDE- International Six-Days Enduro - to avoid confusion with the observed trials competition). The best book I am aware of on the subject, perhaps the only book available on it. (Note: Years later there have been some other books printed on the subject- 2005) The Six-Days in Dalton, MA was an incredible adventure for hundreds of endurance motorcycle competitors from Europe, including riders from the communist countries like Czechoslovakia, East Germany, etc. who were able to leave communism with the permission of their country to compete against the best riders from many countries around the world. They all came to the USA for the first time ever, to race against each other for six days in some very difficult terrain in western Massachusetts. The United States had several dozen competitors, who acquired a position on the US team by going through a series of qualifying 2-day events in the USA. For the competitors, it is the highlight of each year, having competed in smaller events throughout the year, building up to this momentous event. It is a MUST-HAVE for Enduro riders. Unfortunately is is currently out of print. Hopefully enough interest will be generated so that another printing is done.

I am fortunate to have owned a copy of this book since 1974. If you are a fan of the ISDT you will not be disappointed. I cannot tell you how many hundreds of times I have picked this book up just to look at the photos. It also contains a brief but excellent history of the ISDT as well as the personnel responsible for and the events leading up to the 48th ISDT in Dalton. An excellent reference for complete rider list and individual and team standings. Includes a day-by-day recount of the event and follows the progress of the US Vase A team which won the Silver Vase Trophy for the first time ever. If you rode the woods when the Pentons, Malcolm Smith, Dick Burleson etc were the top riders, then you will love this book. Top notch still and action photos, too, both color and black and white, of many of your favorite riders. If you can find a copy, grab it!

Mr. Dorfner is truly a dharma bum in today's society if there ever is one !! Between this novel that deeply researches Jack's life in his hometown of Lowell to his other piece "visions of Rocky Mount", Mr.Dorfner has really done his homework on Jack. I highly recommend this book (and "visions of Rocky Mount") to ANY fan of Kerouac or the beat generation. Thank you, Mr.Dorfner for writing such an informative book !!

Dorfner...born in Catskills,NY--rode bike, packed his Rucksak, & went-On The Road*...a truly Beatified...hip beat. Make annual Lowell,(MA) Celebrates J Kerouac, 3 days in early Oct....

My husband and I own a two-family house near Boston. This book has been very helpful in knowing what we are legally responsible for. We also used the forms included. Since purchasing this book, we've realized we are much more detail-oriented than most landlords. Tenants have many rights that landlords simply ignore that could really hurt them in the end. Courts don't accept "ignorance" as an excuse from landlords. This book is well worth it and easy to understand for a landlord interested in the legalities of smaller residential and commercial properties.

I have several apartments and condos. Though I am well versed with the real estate laws in Mass., this book is a great reference for me. Any landlord in Mass. should have this book, it is easy to read and understand. Dealing with the court system can be a nightmare if you are not prepared, believe me. If you don't have everything in proper order, you lose. This book will assist you in what are your responsiblities are, you can bet your tenant does. Beware of the professional tenant! Plus, the book gives helpful hints to make your life a little easier.

Interested in tracing the roots of American liberty in words and pictures? Then you will want to read this book. Author E. Ashley Rooney and Mary L. Martin relive the events of April 19, 1775 that " glorious morning for America" when the United States was born. The unique marriage of vintage postcards depicting the events and the colorful text make for a delightful walk through American history.

"Lexington to Concord" is a marvelous book that provides a visual as well as narrative history of the events of April 19, 1775, when Paul Revere rode to Lexington and "the shot heard 'round the world" was fired. What makes this book unique is that every page is illustrated with Amos Doolittle's sketches, period postcards, and current photographs of historical sites.

Continuing in time past the Revolution, the towns of Lexington, Bedford and Concord are illustrated, and many anecdotes and little known facts are included.

Many books provide excellent and readable narratives of the events of 1775, eg., David Hackett Fischer's "Paul Revere's Ride", but as a person who reads a great deal of American history, I highly recommend "Lexington to Concord" for its visual presentations in combination with descriptive narration and comment.

I bought this book after taking classes in making lightship baskets locally, and must admit that without it I would not have been able to continue making them at home. The history of the baskets is excellent, and colored photographs of baskets as well as the island of Nantucket are numerous throughout the book. If you are at all interested in baskets, this book is a must!

I took a class by Martha Two yrs. ago that was great to. It was at the MBA in Grand Rapids MI. The book is just as good if not better. The history is something I always wanted to know about . Thank You Martha for such a wonderful book . C. M. Miller Bay City MI.

Love Bade Me Welcome is an extemely honest and interesting story of a painter and her spiritual connection with God in human form in our time, Meher Baba. I could hardly put it down!

I feel this book is very valuable for present and future souls searching for recognition of their right and opportunity to God. I consider Phyllis Ott to be much more than an "ordinary" human female but she writes of her own conflicts of being an ordinary woman on her spiritual path. Her journey is real and with contemporary conflicts that I could relate to which validated my own spiritual path and significance.

Full of intense longing and love for God, Ott's life is moving and inspirational. She lives for God through her work as a painter and so much more. Her chosen life of poverty is profound and a beneficial example of how to live in the world but not be of it. Her own "phyllisophia" and poetry is enlightening and heartfelt. I recommend this book for everyone spiritually inclined and for anyone looking for a good read, from someone who enjoyed it very much.

This collection of letters, journals, newspaper accounts and interviews of the young girls who worked in the Lowell Mills is balanced off by the thoughts of the Mill owners. Great background for the study of Lyddie, by Katherine Paterson.

Essays, journals, letters, and an interesting piece of historical fiction tell this story of the young women who worked in the textile mills in New England. Timetable of the workday and Boarding House regulations of the day are enlightening - especially if you think life is hard today!

I purchased 'M is for Mayflower' and 'C is for Centennial' for my niece. After reviewing the books, I found that they have several different levels of learning within the illustrations and text that will make these books readable for years to come for her. She seems to like them, and is attracted by the colorful illustrations. Because I live in MA and she lives in CO, she is eager to learn about the place where her auntie is. These books are good, fun learning tools that will help prepare a child for elementary social studies classes.

I purchased 'M is for Mayflower' and 'C is for Centennial' for my niece. After reviewing the books, I found that they have several different levels of learning within the illustrations and text that will make these books readable for years to come for her. She seems to like them, and is attracted by the colorful illustrations. Because I live in MA and she lives in CO, she is eager to learn about the place where her auntie is. These books are good, fun learning tools that will help prepare a child for elementary social studies classes.