Beacon Hill: The Life & Times of a Neighborhood

Winner of First Prize--the 2003 Julia Ward Howe Award--given by the Boston Authors Club.

"Beacon Hill is an American treasure, and this elegant, lucidly written book shows why."

-James Carroll, author of Constantine's Sword

"A fascinating story, told with grace and lucidity, of a place that has been defined both by its architecture and, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, by an ever changing sense of community. The mutations in the social history of "the Hill", mutations that are ongoing , are revealed with remarkable sympathy and insight in this unique contribution to the history of Boston."

-David Hall, Professor of American History, Harvard University

"This is a novel and up-to-date treatment of the Beacon Hill area, one of Boston's most historic and prestigious communities. Moying Li-Marcus's carefully researched and elegantly written book examines the origins and early development of the district, and traces several fascinating phases of the community's later history. This is not simply an enjoyable travel companion, but a serious and thoughtful consideration of the Beacon Hill district and a valuable contribution to Boston history."

-Thomas H. O'Connor, University Historian, Boston College,
and author of The Hub: Boston Past and Present

"I am delighted to welcome this latest book on a unique Boston neighborhood, and I am glad to learn that all of the author's proceeds will be donated to the Beacon Hill Civic Association to help strengthen the neighborhood. As Mayor, I often hear that Boston is like a big city and a small town at the same time. Beacon Hill: The Life & Times of a Neighborhood tells the story of how Beacon Hill has remained a small village right in the heart of the city."

-Mayor Thomas M. Menino

"Beacon Hill is a wonderfully vivid account of one of America's most historic and most beautiful neighborhoods. It truly captures the essence of this extraordinary part of our city."

-United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy

"Moying Li-Marcus pays elegant tribute to Beacon Hill, a historic home to artists, authors, and a former President of the United States. Anyone interested in the history of one of our nation's oldest and most cherished neighborhoods will enjoy reading this special reflection on one of Boston's many gifts to our nation's history."

-United States Senator John F. Kerry