Austin, Texas--Then and Now

In any edition, this book will delight the Austinite, transplanted Texan, and marveller at what time seems to change, and moreover what it can't. The basic theme, to contrast older (from 70 to 100 years old, roughly) with current photographs of Austin, photos take from the same place and persective, simpy WORKS as a way of appreciating the effects of time on Austin, as well as its warm and seeming noneffects Whether it be a grand photograph of the Texas State Capitol, viewed from South Congress Avenue, or view of 6th St., once WITH plenty of parking, and later WITHOUT, this collection satisfied those who would see grand design at work, as well as those who appreciate the ultimate effects of convenience, haphazard "corner-cutting" and transition of a "one-horse" town post-Civil War to a truly important state capitol will appreciate the subltelties of change that are not detracted from by change in technology (e.g., color film or panorama) nor lack of conformity to an inflexible method (i.e., differences in time differential). In short, the book does a magnificient job coordinating a world-view through the simplicity of the single camera lens, taking Austin from a sleepy town on the Colorado River to an important center for commerce and communication in modern-day America. That alone would recommend the book, but in addition this is effected without pretention and in a style that will keep this book on the top of the coffee table for years to come.