CITY BY THE SEA JOHN R. MOON

For the reader-viewer who wants the "Portland Beautiful" book, there are plenty of other choices. For those who want the city in its natural beauty, as I would, in spite of "modern" changes, go here. Moon has really found himself with this formula, and with his documentary color photos juxtaposed across from the extremely well-chosen vintage photographic illustrations. Many of these come from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, Maine Historical Society and other rich holdings throughout the state. Moon has given us, and those in the future, an incalculable gift, a clear pictorial record of the way it was. If there is a criticism, it concerns his historic research, which is good but might have been perfect had it been vetted through local architectural historians. As it is, "City by the Sea" is a necessary joyful volume for all city bookshelves. —Bill Barry