Book Description
It's all here: the exciting splendor of the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Among the one hundred powerful, evocative color plates within these pages, you will find a Washington, D.C. that sings of the breadth and depth and soaring heights of the American spirit. ... Read more

Book Description

In this first study of the politics and policy-making behind the creation of "modern" Washington, Alan Lessoff explores a city that would seem an exception to the usual rules of urban development, one without industry and commercial growth to drive it. He argues, however, that this absence of typical economic interests allows a particularly clear view of politics and urban issues in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. Explaining how government in post-Civil War Washington promoted prosperity, established aesthetic standards, protected health and safety, managed race relations, and resolved federal-local conflicts, Lessoff reveals the true character of American politics and policy-making in the period as never before.

"In completely recasting our understanding of Washington as it emerged as a modern city, Alan Lessoff has not only revised the history of the capital, but shed new light on a national political ethos that, in promoting improvement, often cast citizens in a secondary role. His study will challenge political scientists, historians, and urbanists to rethink their views of the Gilded Age."--Howard F. Gillette, Jr., George Washington University.

Book Description
Full color and fact packed, yet portable and affordable -- only 15.95!Bonus!Pullout wallet-sized Mini Restaurant Guide and City Map ... Read more

Book Description
Laminated street map with detailed coverage of the downtown area. Points of interest include monuments, libraries, museums, theaters, recreation areas, zoos, pedestrian districts, golf courses. Visitor information centers, post offices, churches, synagogues, mosques, hospitals, polices stations, embassies, parking lots. Airports, hotels, notable buildings, metro stops, one-way roads. Scale 1:15,000. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

One of the best intros to DC politics and Marion Barry
The Barry era was more than just the grainy footage in the hotel room, and Jaffe does an excellent job of recounting the hope and promise that many Washingtonians held when Barry was first elected Mayor as part of an grassroots coalition of low-income blacks, liberal whites and a growing gay and lesbian community and how badly that promise was betrayed.

There is no doubt the 80's were an awful time for DC. Crack, violence and economic abandonment by the middle class, nearly killed DC. Most major urban centers faced similar problems in the 80's thanks to Reaganism and white flight but Jaffe clearly documents Barry's inability to anything besides compound the problems faced by DC through financial irresponsibility(largely due to patronage) incompetent and criminal staff and Barry's growing personal addictions to drug and sex. He documents Barry's failings without demonizing him or resorting to the disguised racism of many of Barry's detractors.

It should be added that Barry was recently elected back onto City Council, representing the nearly all black and poverty stricken Ward 8. Many outside DC couldn't believe that DC residents would want this guy back on the City Council, but those folks don't know Ward 8 or Barry's appeal. While DC is booming economically, Ward 8 continued to be ignored by the rest of the city and the Mayor. By voting for Barry against a Mayoral ally, Ward 8 was warning the rest of the city that they will not be ignored.

Good look at a complicated city
The urban problems of Washington D.C. are laid bare with some wonderful historical perspective.This is a city where the normal municipal politics (race, poverty, patronage) are complicated by the national politics that weild a veto power over this city.

This book easily could have been an unreadable tome, but the authors did a great job of keeping the book moving and putting the charachters in proper perspective.

A must read for those involved in city politics
Fascinating read.Great background.

Needs a Sequel
"Dream City" compares with Mike Royko's "Boss" as an excellent expose on urban politics. But while Royko's protagonist, Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, at least had his city's best interests in mind despite the shortcomings of his political machine, Marion Barry only cared about one thing, Marion Barry. That this vulture perpetuated his own power on the backs of the powerless who were his strongest supporters is sickening and fascinating at the same time. "Dream City" was published in 1994, right before the leech Barry returned to the Mayor's office to do four more years of damage to the capital city. Under Daley, Chicago was "The City That Works." Under Barry, DC was the city that didn't.

Will the real Marion Barry please stand up
This fascinating book about the current state and recent history of our nation's capital focuses largely on the story of Marion Barry, who was, when the book was written, both a once and future mayor of the city. Howmuch blame Barry must shoulder for the city's social and economic problemsis a question that remains to be answered, but the detail provided by theauthors, both journalists with long experience of the city and itspolitics, offers fascinating glimpses into the reality behind the mask. Onestory alone is worth the price of the book: Marion Barry, who has longtried to identify with the city's most downtrodden, at one time (when hefirst went into politics) hired an exconvict to teach him how to 'talkstreet' so that he wouldn't sound too educated (he has an M.S. in Chemistryand was working on a Ph. D. when he became involved in the civil rightsmovement - not the Marion Barry I thought I knew).

This is a fascinatingbook. A bit out of date now, but containing material I have not seenanywhere else that helps explain some of the very bad times D.C. hasexperienced in the last few decades. ... Read more

Book Description
PLAN 68 GREAT DAYS WITH KIDS.Local mom Kathryn McKay has handpicked 68 simply fabulous things to do in and around D.C. with a child in tow.You'll look at old favorites in a new light, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Smithsonian American Art Museum—and blaze new trails all over town, from the International Spy Museum to the Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run.Every page is loaded with fun facts and helpful information.

Each entry includes:
• Insider tips
• Way-cool trivia every kid will love
• Kid-friendly snack spots
• Age-appropriateness
• Admissions, phone numbers and web sites ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great "preview" for D.C. trip!
Purchased prior to our first trip to D.C. The kids enjoyed reading it as much as we did.Was a great help in planning our days in D.C.Recommend using this and Frommer's Washington D.C. with Kids (Frommer's With Kids), especially if travelling with children in a range of ages as our were--7, 9, and 16.

Great book!
We are traveling to Washington, D.C. and this book is going into our suitcase as a reference while we are there!We have really enjoyed reading it and learning about Washington, D.C.

Gift item for Christmas
Got as a gift but spent time reading through.
Looked like it gave great suggestions for teachers too on what to visit and where to go while on field trips.

Great tips for getting around Washington DC
My family and I recently took a trip to DC, and brought along this book.It had lots of great tips on what to see and where to eat.We've used the "Boston" version of the book for years, and I was glad to see that the "DC" version was just as helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Going to see the Great Father
This is a fascinating account of the numerous Indian delegations to (mainly) Washington, DC, over the course of more than a century (1800-1900). The first Indian delegation occurred in 1710, when four Mohawk chiefs (known as "The Four Kings") were brought to England for a month-long visit and a meeting with Queen Anne. The Indians were the hit of London and drew crowds wherever they went. During the American Revolution, Indians often visited George Washington at his headquarters, as the Americans tried to keep the natives friendly and neutral.

After the country gained its independence, inviting Indian delegates to Washington, DC, became a general policy - a policy that had psychological implications as well as diplomatic purposes: Washington leaders wanted the Indians to see the power and might of the whites in the hope that it would discourage the thought of uprisings. Indian delegations were often treated as visiting royalty might be treated, and left laded with gifts and tributes. (Of course, like most people or groups up against governmental bureaucracy the Indians also left Washington with little of substance gained.)

Viola, rather than just relating one visit after another, arranges his information in chapters by themes: visiting the Great Father, financing the delegations, Indian life in Washington, diversions, etc. This thematic presentation is much more interesting than a straight chronological one would be. The book is well written and thoroughly researched, and is well illustrated, too. It's an engaging and highly informative look at a rarely studied topic in Indian-white relations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Everything in your pocket
I was looking for a small refernce map or book when I went to Washington DC. After searching for a while, I came across this product. I was extremely happy with my purchase as this was exactly what I was looking for. It has fold out maps, guides to the city (food, nightlife, attractions), and detailed map of the metro subway system. With its convienent small size you do not stick out as a D-Bag tourist. I would reccomend this to anyone who needs some guidance on the wonderful city.

A good resource but not the best for DC
I like these Inside Out pop-up style maps and have used them in Paris, London, San Francisco, etc.
I wanted to get one for Washington DC and it was hard to find one.I think I ended up getting one shipped from the UK.
Anyway, although I have relied on these maps before, for Washington DC I found that I liked the Streetwise map better, perhaps because it was just a flat, laminated map versus a mini-book.
Generally you will find the same map layout, very handy and easy to read. ... Read more

Book Description
Out-of-towners can travel with confidence when using Slicker maps. Easy to handle and easy to read, Slickers fold and unfold in a flash. Slickers are laminated which makes them markable and very durable, withstanding everyday usage during any travel itinerary you plan. This city slicker contains an index to streets, and shows highways, major roads and streets, libraries, cemeteries, post offices, parks, airports, hospitals, colleges & universities, marinas, shopping centers, points of interest and much more. It also contains a map of metropolitan Washington, DC roads and a Metro Rail System map. ... Read more