Over Boston: Aerial Photographs

'Over Boston' by aerial photographer David King Gleason is virtually identical to those volumes done by Robert Cameron for London, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other cities. I always looked for Cameron's volumes whenever I visited a new city on business, and found this substitution which, on first reading impressed me as virtually identical to Cameron's work. After several years and another look, I begin to see how the work could have been better. Among the little things, there is no picture of Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Socks. Oddly, there is also no picture of Logan Airport. A larger issue is the book is just a bit too old to show the progress of the famous 'big dig' highway project working its way through the middle of the city. All this considered, it is still a first rate entry in the 'view from above' genre. As someone who has been to Boston twice, I find the author has covered virtually all the highpoints I know. For someone who has never been to Boston, I believe it is as good or better a source for 'what do I want to see' as the latest Frommer guide. I was particularly happy with the way one could easily identify those things which distinguished Boston architecture from other major cities. It also made me jealous that my own local metropolis, Philadelphia, would not show as good a face as the venerable lady on the Charles.

I really have enjoyed this book. I find myself going back to it again and again. This is Gleason's best work, the photography is excellent. The only draw back is that the pictures are dated. Boston has changed considerably from the time this book was first published, but if you are a fan of Boston, of which I am one, or just an admirer of stunning photography you will not be disappointed.

I can't say enough good things about this book. Of course the aerial photography is breathtaking with perspectives familiar only to pilots, pigeons and, sea gulls. We have given this book to a number of friends and family who have moved from the Boston area as way to warmly remember their days here.