Independence: A Guide to Historic Philadelphia Hardcover – December 18, 2011

I am eating up this book. There is so much information in this book. It is presented in an easy to read, flowing style with side bars about the topic the author is discussing, whether the people or buildings or time frame. You can read a grand amount at one time, or like me, a short 4 pages to wind down before lights out. This book is absolutely PACKED with historical, interesting information about the city from time of the first settlers in the 1600's and leading forward.

I had the opportunity to participate in a tour led by George after reading his book. His book is written in a style that makes it difficult to put down. George knows Philly!

An invaluable resource for tour guides in Philadelphia

if you live in Philadelphia or you are going to stop by,this book hasall you'll ever need to know about Old City.it is by far the best i ever read.

George goes into historic detail telling stories of the places.

great book to have when site seeing in Ole Philly.

George Boudreau "is" Philadelphia history. His love for the city, and his deep knowledge of it, shine in this wonderful new guide to the "cradle of liberty."In the interest of full disclosure, one of the things that pleases me about this book is his liberal use of Judith Sargent Murray]] letters describing Philadelphia in 1790 (I transcribed and published these letters several years ago!). Judith was visiting Philadelphia from Massachusetts, and she was a professional essayist and keen observer who described "everything" in letters written to her parents back home (including Franklin's library, Peale's museum, July 4 celebration...). Her letters are a new eyewitness account of American history at a most pivotal time, and Boudreau is the first Philadelphia historian to include the letters in a book about Philadelphia.So...Boudreau's wonderfully illustrated book is chock full of information you didn't know about Philadelphia, but you really should because, well, it's Philadelphia!!!!!You want this book!And you can learn more about Judith Sargent Murray in   letters describing Philadelphia in 1790 (I transcribed and published these letters several years ago!). Judith was visiting Philadelphia from Massachusetts, and she was a professional essayist and keen observer who described "everything" in letters written to her parents back home (including Franklin's library, Peale's museum, July 4 celebration...). Her letters are a new eyewitness account of American history at a most pivotal time, and Boudreau is the first Philadelphia historian to include the letters in a book about Philadelphia.So...Boudreau's wonderfully illustrated book is chock full of information you didn't know about Philadelphia, but you really should because, well, it's Philadelphia!!!!!You want this book!And you can learn more about Judith Sargent Murray in  Mingling Souls Upon Paper: An Eighteenth-Century Love Story .

Great book -- almost like having TV news coverage during the early days of our nation's history. Also, a wonderful book to have on hand while doing a walking tour of historic Philadelphia.