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San Francisco in the 1930s    by Federal Writers Project Amazon.com order for
San Francisco in the 1930s
by Federal Writers Project
Order:  USA  Can
University of California, 2011 (1940)
Softcover, e-Book

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* * *   Reviewed by Bob Walch

Originally published in 1940, this Depression-era guide delves into San Francisco's history from the vantage point of the 1930s and describes its culture, important tourist attractions and significant historic buildings.

Although you are traveling back in time, much of what you'll find in this book is not only interesting but also still relevant. Many of the buildings are still standing, as are most of the landmarks. The stories behind these structures haven't changed over time.

The book is divided into four major sections – Gateway to the West, "The City", Around the World in San Francisco, and Around the Bay. With each of these sections there are between 12 and 16 individual articles that go into more depth on everything from writers, educational institutions and the waterfront to the city's 'high and low life' and the ethnic neighborhoods of San Francisco.

Richly illustrated, the only small down side to this fascinating book is the fact that the type is a little on the small side, since there is so much material to cram into this paperback. At nearly 500 pages in length, you certainly get your money's worth, given all the information this volume contains.

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