PDF Lost Galveston Images of America Brian M Davis 9780738566849 Books

Product details Series Images of America Paperback 128 pages Publisher Arcadia Publishing; 1st Ed. edition (July 19, 2010) Language English ISBN-10 0738566845

Lost Galveston Images of America Brian M Davis 9780738566849 Books Reviews

• I was born in Galveston and grew up there and I still spend a lot of time on the island. I enjoyed this book because I can remember when a lot of the buildings shown in this book were still standing. I also remember when many of them were demolished.Some were torn down because of hurricane damage or other causes but some were torn down for no good reason and should be still standing. Lots of memories came back as I looked through the pages at those buildings that are gone. Good book.
• Bought for mother-in-law as a Christmas gift. I think she likes it.
• Lots of fun. These images were taken by people who never expected the images to be important. Well, now they are.
• Great book if you are interested in historic photos and high level info of Galveston history.
• Brian put together a wonderful book of photos showing some of the beautiful structures that were lost due to so many different reasons.
• A city which is no more.
• In the cause of historic preservation, in association with the Galveston Historical Foundation, the author has put together a book of photographs of old Galveston buildings and houses. All are lost now. Each photo is accompanied by a descriptive paragraph which provides information about the building and its inhabitants. The author says, "What I present here are small glimpses into [these structures and] lives as seen through newspaper articles, advertisements, city directories, and other written or oral accounts."
  
  According to my count, there are altogether 217 photos of buildings and houses, enough to pretty well satisfy any Galvestonophile. Three pictures are of the legendary old Ursuline convent which many persons may be eager to have a better look at than has been available since its unfortunate destruction. There's only one view of all the other subjects.
  
  The contents include hotels, civic buildings, social places, residences, schools, churches, commercial and industrial buildings, and street scenes. The book measures 6 ½ x 9 ¼ inches, and most of the pictures are more or less postcard-size, but some of them are full-page.
  
  It seems to me that the smallness of the book isn't a drawback. Good detail is discernible in the photos, and it is actually a relief not to have to handle a bulky, coffee-table-sized book.
  
  Most of the places depicted here are marvelous, in the literal sense of the word. I don't see how anyone could look at them without marveling at their beauty. And not just because they're grand. The smaller structures have their charm, too.
  
  I feel we are fortunate to have at least these pictures from the bygone world that was nineteenth and twentieth century Galveston, although most of the buildings are regrettably lost.
  
  The author points out that "It takes a creative and determined person to discover how [the old buildings in danger of ruthless destruction] can be put back into use in a way that supports the community." Hopefully the needful persons and resources will arise in the continuing effort to cherish some of the best and most beautiful evidences from the historic pasts in our American cities. It does seem a worthwhile effort that holds joy and knowledge in store for present and future generations.
  
  This would be a nice and affordable gift book.
• I buy these books as gifts for my husband. We also have one about College Station and one on LaGrange. He is not much of a reader, but will read these from cover to cover! It's full of old pictures which helps bring the history to life. They are especially interesting if you have any affiliation with the town. For example, this Galveston book will show a picture of an old building, tell you a brief history on it and it's location (23rd and Broadway), and if it was torn down what was built in its place.