THWING, ANNIE HAVEN. Crooked and narrow streets of the town of Boston, 1630–1822. il *$5 (7c) Jones. Marshall 974.4
20–19769
The book gives a brief historical survey of how Boston came to be Boston and then confines itself to the history of its streets and their original inhabitants and ancestry. But few of the old streets survive even in pictures and of the survivors most have been widened. “Many of the old streets were so narrow that it was difficult for two vehicles to pass each other and so crooked that after a fire the town invariably ordered them straightened.” (Introductory) The contents are: The North end; Government and business centre; South end; The West end; The neck; Notes and index of streets. The book is illustrated with old prints and has seven insert maps.
+ Booklist 17:151 Ja ’21
“It is replete with accurate and minute information, and yet it does not lack the anecdotal vivacity which makes this kind of book good reading. The volume is admirably put together, and the engravings and old maps are especially interesting.” Margaret Ashmun
+ Bookm 52:345 D ’20 130w
“There could hardly be a pleasanter guide book for a devout explorer than ‘The crooked and narrow streets of Boston.’”
+ Ind 103:442 D 25 ’20 70w
“Its accuracy is vouched for by the fact that it is the outcome of a life-work, whose results are treasured by the Massachusetts Historical society. There are numerous agreeable lighter touches.”