Boston Firsts: 40 Feats of Innovation and Invention That Happened First in Boston and Helped Make America Great

by Lynda Morgenroth

Book Overview

Ranging from advances in science and engineering - like the smallpox inoculation - to innovations in culture and society - including the YMCA - this collection investigates, celebrates and integrates... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807071323
• ISBN13: 9780807071328
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Beacon Press (MA)
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.0" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Engaging & Informative

Boston Firsts is a tribute not only to the innovative spirit of Boston, but also to human ingenuity and creativity. The book is divided into forty short essays which explore intriguing topics, such as the first novel, and the scandal behind it, the first YMCA, opening in 1852, and the first Boston Cream Pie, a treasure for pie-lovers everywhere. How did the tradition of First Night begin? What is the story of the USS Constitution? For readers who are curious and appreciate history and innovation presented in antecdotal style, this book is a joy. The book is written deftly by essayist Lynda Morgenroth, whose work has appeared in numerous journals and periodicals, including the New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor, and -- of course -- the Boston Globe. I recommend this book most highly.