There are more than a few great books covering specific facets of Richmond’s history. The recent Historic Photos of Richmond “captures this city’s journey through still photography selected from the finest archives” with a well-selected set of photos from the 1860s to the 1960s.

The 200-page book is nice collection of photos from around the city. The emphasis seems to be on the more common areas, in attempt to provide a portrait of Richmond through the years. There are photos from many of the other neighborhoods, though downtown seems to get the most attention. The book is painfully deficient on photos from our area, with only the obligatory photo of St.John’s.

Despite that, as a someone that loves both books about Richmond history and photography of the city, I was really happy to get a copy of this book as a gift a little while back. While not as essential as Mary Wingfield Scott’s Old Richmond Neighborhoods or Houses of Old Richmond, Historic Photos of Richmond is a nice addition to any Richmond history/photography collection.

There will be 2 book signings by the authors, Emily & John Salmon, in the area in June: June 6th, 12:30PM @Fountain Bookstore, and June 14th, 2pm @ Barnes & Noble at Libbie Place.

above: St.John’s Episcopal Church circa 1891