Colorado: A History in Photographs

by Richard N. Ellis, Duane A. Smith

"The revised edition of Colorado: A History in Photographs portrays Colorado's history in images taken from the frontier era to the present, all accompanied by a vivid, updated, and expanded narrative." Presenting a broad view of countless aspects of life in Colorado and including 270 black-and-white photographs, this book will inform, entertain, and inspire all those who delight in learning more about the history of the Centennial State.

Genres: History

266 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1991

Reviews

[Lexi]

SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Laura Anne]

Really 2.5 stars. Only some interesting information is written down, the story is in the pictures.

[Judy]

I expected to enjoy the photos more than the text, but, as often happens, I was wrong. The history of Colorado is divided into five section of 20-30 years each. These summaries give insight into the two authors. Lots on mining, railroads, and politics (which is to be expected).

I would have enjoyed the book more if the photos had been integrated into the text, which would have made them more relevant to the reader and imbalances would have been more obvious to the authors.

And I learned some interesting historical tidbits ... e.g, I didn't know that drivers weren't to exceed 35mph during WWII -- how long was that in place?

p 217 Overexploitation of skiing and tourism caused Aspen to lose much of its charm.
That can now be said for just about every small town in Colorado, especially the mountain towns.

[Di]

These are the times in which our whole generation must take a stand and define a sustainable future. If we do not, our distinctive and special places may simply pass on and be replaced by the grey and generic. "
- Charles Wilkinson, page 226

Those with generational & emotional ties to Colorado will most likely get the most enjoyment out of this book.

There were a few notable people mentioned in this book that I have not come across elsewhere. Of particular note are:
Bertha Blancett, bronc rider
David Lavender, author
Thomas Hornsby Ferril, poet