In a distinguished teaching and writing career that spans half a century, Thomas H. O'Connor has explored in-depth the richly layered history of his native Boston, bringing the city’s diverse and fascinating heritage to a wide audience of historians and general readers alike. Now his significant contributions are celebrated in these essays by leading scholars in the field.

The broad range of histories included here builds on and extends O'Connor’s work, offering a new lens through which to view Boston’s vibrant social, ethnic, political, and religious past.