A Concise History of Portland, Maine

by John B. Robinson

Providing a rich experience for those touched by Portland, Maine, this dynamic resource includes stories and incendiary history of the city. An invaluable narrative history for both residents and vacationers alike, this resource explains the history in and around one of the best kept secrets on the East Coast. Portland was a commercial port of prominence in the United States until the great fire of 1866 reduced to ashes a city that rivaled New York City and Boston, as explained in this fast-paced documentation of the events that changed the history of a city.
 

118 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2008

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The full title of this book is A Concise History of Portland, Maine: An Incendiary Record. The use of "incendiary" is apt, since the book describes the many times fires destroyed huge swathes of Portland. It might also pertain the the author's willingness to stray from straight history and offer his opinions about things like urban renewal and the Maine Mall.

This short book is "history lite" but in a good way. It offers stories from Portland's founding to current times. It includes profiles of many notable Portland citizens and their contributions.

The book is attractively packaged, with photos showing Portland after the great fire of July 4, 1866 and through the 20th century. It could have benefited from more careful copyediting.

Overall, this is an entertaining way to learn more about our state's anchor city.

[Megh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am glad to get a rundown of the history of Portland, but I found the author confusing and not very straightforward. His thoughts tended to be scattered and would throw random facts in an otherwise straightforward paragraph.

It was a quick read, and some of the events were quite interesting, such as the Great Fire of 1866, and anecdotes about the friendship Neal Dow and General Sherman (My cousin is a product of the descendents of Dow and Sherman, so I found their friendship to be interesting).

[Joel Wentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun, zippy little account of Portland's story. As a local, I found it delightful and insightful. My only complaint is that I wish there were more "meat" as I found myself wanting more information in a few of the chapters, but I suppose with the word "concise" in your title there must be a limited page count. This is a no-brainer read for those who call Portland home.

[John]

A local bestseller, we've run out of books.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. Its not often you can say a guide book is fun and entertaining. Well done Mr Robinson.

[Francisca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty as well as informative, and best asides I've seen yet in a "popular" history that takes into account the silent voices of women and POC.