The Hub: Boston Past and Present

Local legend says that Boston's winding streets were the result of errant cows. But the reality the city was patterned on a medieval village is equally fascinating. In The Hub: Boston Past and Present by Thomas H. O'Connor (Building a New Boston), the Boston College emeritus professor of history and noted local historian synthesizes standard references on the city's development, from its 1630 founding through the 1960s desegregation battles and today's redevelopment. His comprehensive narrative is shorter on sociohistorical context than on economic analysis of such civic efforts as the Big Dig, the current construction of new bridges, tunnels and park, running a billion dollars over budget.