Pittsburgh A New Portrait (Regional)

Franklin Toker has provided us with an amazing resource for anyone's effort in furthering their knowledge of Pittsburgh and its surrounding region. As someone who has lived in Pittsburgh their entire life, Pittsburgh: A New Portrait provides a new clear vision as they walk around the many neighborhoods of the region.With Pittsburgh obtaining its greatest growth during the late 1800s/early 1900s, the architectural progression of that age is represented beautifully in the Pittsburgh region. Toker highlights these varying stylings that are prevalent in the area in a easy to read and concise manner that is relevant to people from any background. Also the back-stories are entertaining and informative and it really gives you a sense of history as you walk around the wildly unique neighborhoods that Pittsburgh has.The book itself is also high quality and the pictures are stunning. It is a book that you can just pick up and open up at any point. It makes a great gift to anyone who has just moved to the area to help them acquaint themselves with the area the the stories behind it. It is also great for people who live/have lived in the city because it allows you to see and realize things that have always been there but you just haven't realized or appreciated. It will definitely get you to look up as you walk around the downtown area to really see some of the beautiful architecture: Park, Union Trust, Koppers, Arrott, Frick, Gulf, PPG, Buhl Buildings among many others, Market Square, Gateway Center, the two Renaissance's, North Side, South Side, Oakland...there is really so much that is covered.You definitely won't regret getting this book, and you are sure to reference it for years to come.

I pre-ordered this book, with the intention of learning more about my hometown. I must say, I have no regrets. This book is packed with plenty of interesting history, with emphasis architecturally of all the neighborhoods and then some! The author, Frank Toker, who also wrote, "Fallingwater Rising" is exceptional. I loved that book, and thought, I'd give this one a try. Now I want to take this book with me and actually go into these little nooks and crannies of neighborhoods -- the very fabric of our fine city and explore it further. It's well worth the read for someone from here, others who may live somewhere else and are "homesick" and others interested in Pittsburgh.

This is a good updated book for us Pittsburgh lovers.

Great book for natives and new residents alike. Lots depth and facts, but written in an engaging style. Lots of info about the evolution of the city and its people. (The two figures on the dust jacket are Andy Warhol and Andrew Carnegie -- two iconic "Andys" of P'burgh.

I ordered this book because I totally loved this author's book about Fallingwater. (highly recommended!)Although this book is quite encyclopedic, I feel that every topic is treated to a "once over lightly" sketchy listing. About the visuals: I know Pittsburgh well, and it is one of the most photogenic cities in the United States. With that in mind, I found the cover image to be a total mis-match and MANY of the photos inside the book are literally smaller than the average postage stamp. (no exaggeration) Perhaps a couple of full-color inserts with multiple large/medium photos would have been better --- but the scattering of tiny indecipherable photos throughout the volume was a major disappointment. And the Andy/Andrew mural on the cover? --- maybe colorful and quirky, but an ineffective choice for a "definitive" book about a beautiful American city.