I’m not an avid reader (unless it’s online). Dr. Wife bought me countless books about child rearing and what to expect while she’s expecting, etc… Sadly I never read any of them, (but I quickly read any article she sends to me via email or link).
So the fact that I’m posting about a book is pretty spectacular.
But alas, this one is just full of pretty pictures:
Historic Photos of Birmingham was just released a few weeks ago and it was written by the BPL’s archivist James L. Baggett (oh the hours I could spend talking to that guy).
I first fell in love with pictures of old Birmingham while looking at a book published by the Birmingham Historical Society at my grandparents house about 10 years ago. I was amazed by the fact that a trolly used to go down the center of Highland Ave, and there used to be an elaborate train station on the east side of downtown.
About 2 years ago I dropped close to $100 for digital copys of about 12 historical pictures of Birmingham including one of my house shortly after it was built in 1948. All 12 prints decorate my office now 
I can’t wait to get a copy of this book.
Those of you wishing to meet the Author of this book may do so this afternoon (Thursday) @ 4:30 on the 4th floor of the Main branch of the Birmingham Public Library downtown.
Hat tip again to Dre for the info
July 20th, 2006 at 11:19 am
For some reason the photo seems to have been overlaid on a large block of text here.
Still I like the old Birmingham photo too. There was something similar about 30 years ago called “Yesterday’s Birmingham”. There might be some overlap in the photos but still…