Wednesday, April 20, 2011

A call for recommendations: Cincinnati History books

In the little under a year that I've lived in Cincinnati, I've been enthralled by the history of the city. Huge pieces of the Queen City's history, such as the canals, riverboats, and the riots as well as the minutia have been 100% new to me. To say that I was ignorant of the amazing history of Cincinnati would be quite an understatement. I had never even visited the city before taking a job here; I certainly knew nothing about it.

I've been learning details of the history of my current home piece by piece, almost randomly. I'd like to make a more concerted effort to learn more. With that in mind, I am on the look out for the best books which concern Cincinnati. It can be general history or more focused on a piece of the city's history. Both will satisfy me. The only thing I ask is that your recommendations are either still in print or are available for check out at one of the area's libraries. I already own Over-the-Rhine: When Beer Was King so I don't need that one.

I thank you in advance and look forward to your recommendations!

5 comments:

  1. My book "Cincinnati's Incomplete Subway: The Complete History" was published last year and is available on Amazon or at Joseph-Beth in Rookwood or the Museum Center gift shop.

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  2. Check out Ohio Book Store on Main Street. Tons of old and new books on Cincinnati.

    http://www.ohiobookstore.net/

    And I agree with Jake - his book is a very good read.

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  3. Ohio Book Store is one of my favorite places downtown. It just seems like I never have enough time to adequately spend there.I know they have a big local section, but I haven really delved into what they have. I'll have to get back over there soon; maybe this weekend. Thanks!

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  4. There are a number of books about Cincinnati neighbourhoods at the Ohio Bookstore. Cumminsville: A Souvenir History covers Northside from inception to 1914.
    Frances Trollope's The Domestic Manners of the American covers life in Cincinnati circa 1830. (She wasn't thrilled)
    The Mill Creek: Unnatural History of an Urban Stream is good.
    Changing Plans for America's Inner Cities explains OTR's 20th century history nicely.
    Cincinnati in 1840 is about, well, duh...
    There's a whole buttload of Images of America books at the Union Terminal bookstore.
    Queen City Gothic covers a number of unsolved murders in 20th century Cincinnati that captures the mood of the city at various times.
    The Memoirs of Charlotte Chambers (Izzy Ludlows old lady) gives some insight to life in Cincinnati/Northside around 1800.

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  5. Wow, that is a lot of info. I really appreciate it. Also, I love your blog. Keep up the good work.

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