Boston: City on a Hill - Hardcover

From the Puritans to the coming of the Irish and beyond, the authors detail how Boston and its colorful politicians have dealt with its many challenges including modern day racial and religious issues as well as the “Big Dig,” and transformed it into the thriving diverse 21st century city that it is today.  All those important to Boston's history are here from “Honey Fitz,” James Curley, Bernard Law and today's Mayor Thomas Menino. Alive with rich text, the book also includes over 350 black and white and color images, as well as an illustrated chronology of significant events in Boston history that puts it all in perspective.

Boston Puritans perceived themselves as a free people whose pursuit of their own self-interest could only be achieved by serving their community. “See what there is to be done,” urged the Reverend Richard Baxter, “and do it with all your might.” In Boston: City On A Hill, Alan Rogers and Lisa Rogers reveal how the character of the city and its people has been shaped by this call to action. As the “city on a hill,” Boston was to be a shining example of how men and women motivated by a commitment to hard work, to personal, religious, and civic reform might change the course of history. Boston proudly boasted that it was “Freedom's Birthplace,” the “Athens of America,” and “the hub of the cosmos.” Although the beacon has sometimes been dimmed by narrow-mindedness, racism, and political corruption, the ideals of reform and hard work have persisted. These ideals were held by the original and unified Yankee population. They were soon joined in Boston by an influx of immigrant groups that challenged the Yankees' proprietary claims on the city. This challenge has not, as the doomsayers predicted, destroyed the city and its ancient values. Instead the city has responded with vast changes—new land, peoples, buildings, ideas, and leaders have metamorphosed Boston into the thriving, variegated city that it is today. Accompanying the text are carefully researched historical and contemporary photographs and illustrations that provide an intimate glimpse of the city. A special chapter, “Chronicles of Leadership,” provides capsule histories of Boston businesses and organizations and details their contributions to the state. Finally, an illustrated chronology of significant events in Boston history enhances the main text and puts it all in perspective. Boston: City on a Hill is certain to be treasured and turned to again and again.