The Hidden City

December 13, 2017 8:50 AM

I'm looking for books about hidden Philadelphia - what would you recommend?

My father is interested in learning about the more hidden aspects of Philly, especially related to the city's history and architecture. I was going to buy him Philadelphia: Finding the Hidden City but it's unavailable right now. Do you have any recommendations that would fill a similar niche? History coupled with excellent architectural photography would be a plus.

posted by backseatpilot to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

It's available! $33. Or am I seeing a different Amazon page?
The Images of America series is affordable and worth a browse.
Wunsch and Elliott's Palazzos of Power has been on my wishlist for a while.
posted by carter at 9:16 AM on December 13, 2017

For free on the web, the Celeste A. Morello Collection contains many works on crime, the mafia, and architecture of Philly! Especially of note, is the Philadelphia Italian market cookbook : the tastes of South 9th Street. Of value on the hidden side of Philadelphia is the Mutter Museum with a number of works in print.
posted by mfoight at 9:16 AM on December 13, 2017

Also on Facebook: Hidden City Philadelphia
posted by HeyAllie at 9:25 AM on December 13, 2017

Not quite the same, but maybe Walking Broad would work? You might also be able to get ahold of Mermaids, Monasteries, Cherokees, and Custer: The Stories Behind Philadelphia Street Names.
posted by gudrun at 9:26 AM on December 13, 2017

Also free on the Web - Pew Trust's Philadelphia’s Historic Sacred Places. Their past, present, and future.
posted by carter at 9:39 AM on December 13, 2017

Dr. Mütter's Marvels
posted by djb at 9:40 AM on December 13, 2017

An older book in Temple University Press' collection is Forgotten Philadelphia: Lost Architecture of the Quaker City. The photos are historical rather than current, but it still might work.
posted by gladly at 11:22 AM on December 13, 2017 [2 favorites]