West of the Schuylkill River, what was once Blockley and Kingsessing Townships is now West Philadelphia. Here is a comprehensive look at the rich architectural history of neighborhoods in and around University City and biographies of the architects who made it possible. In more than 500 images, see this area of the ?City of Brotherly Love? transition from humble beginnings as a collection of sprawling farms and dusty hamlets to a streetcar suburb for upwardly mobile types looking to escape the old city and a haven for esteemed educational institutions. Packed with archival images, maps, and color photos, the book covers Cedar Park to Powelton Village, chronicling the charm and elegance found in West Philadelphia's architecture, much of which is still on public display. Examples include Second Empire, Victorian, Queen Anne, Collegiate Gothic, and Italianate styles. This is a global and historic review ideal for architects, urban planners, historians, and of course residents of Blockley and Kingsessing. AUTHOR: Joseph Minardi is an award-winning photographer and recipient of the 2007 Preservation Initiative Award from the University City Historical Society. He lives in Philadelphia. SELLING POINTS: Architectural history of eight West Philadelphia neighborhoods Classic architecture styles from 1789 to the 1930s Contemporary and archival images capture West Philadelphia's indelible charm 515 colour b/w photographs
