Boathouse Row: Waves of Change in the Birthplace of American Rowing

Dotty Brown shows with amazing anecdotes and stunning pictures that Boathouse Row in Philadelphia is much more than a string of fancy riverside structures. The clubs and colleges that row from this historical setting are not only preserving the rich legacy of competitive rowing, but also expanding the sport to diverse future generations. The artwork is captivating, and the narrative is engaging. Anyone interested in rowing or Philadelphia will find it a delightful read.William Lanouette, rowing historian and author of "The Triumph of the Amateurs: The Rise, Ruin, and Banishment of Professional Rowing in the Gilded Age."

As a former rower and supporter of rowing as a "total workout" and sport, I am pleased with the broad content and historical references. My grandfather rowed with the team from Penn at Henley in 1901 so I'm hooked. I'm also a member of the Philadelphia Skating Club that built the first "boathouse" in 1861.

For decades I have bike commuted from east Falls to Center City via the Kelly Drive bike path. Twice a day for 40 years I have ridden past the Row. Dotty Brown has captured the essence of this remarkable place. She has done it thru the lives of those who have made it famous. And what a roll call of Americans and Philadelphians. Thomas Eakins- this was his home and his place and he covered himself in glory with his work on the place.. And the women who struggled to find a place to row and became world class rowers-- Earnestine Bayer and Joanne Iverson- and who can forget the Kelly family of East falls in whose backyard I played as a child.- "Kelly For Brick". To add in there are many reproductions of photos, landscape views, and maps. If you love rowing, If you love landscapes, if you love fine art, If you love Fairmount Park,, and if you love American history- this is a book for you.

It is a wonderful book. It brought back great memories from my rowing days during the late 1960' s and early 1970's.Thom Gray

Great Book - Gave it to my dad for Fathers day. A coffee table must have for any Philly college rower.

Comprehensive history of Philly's boathouse row. Many photos. Recommend for any rower. My husband rows at the Malta boathouse and enjoyed it very much.

Special book written about rowing in Philadelphia and its World famous rowing venue Boat House Row

Great book if you're a rower and/or from Philadelphia!