Alberts, Robert C.
The Good Provider: H.J. Heinz and His 57 Varieties
CS 155
A look at the mind, character, and rise to power of one of America's industrial pioneers. H. J. Heinz began poor, had a phenomenal early success, suffered an agonizing failure, and continued on to become one of the millionaire "Lords of Pittsburgh". 1973.
Ansberry, Clare
The Women of Troy Hill: The Back-Fence Virtues of Faith and Friendship
CS 154,
CL 7117
Troy Hill is an isolated neighborhood in Pittsburgh, and the women of the title are its tight-knit community of long-time female residents. Now in their eighties and older, most have known each other since childhood. Their stories span the twentieth century, offering a picture of domestic life's ups and downs. "Men worked. Women neighbored." This look at a simpler time is a reminder of the important things in life. 2000.
Brenner, Jočl G.
The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey and Mars
RC 50762
Behind-the-scenes examination of two rivals in the secretive chocolate industry. History of the business empires and the dictators who built them: Forrest Mars Sr. and Milton Hershey. Discusses the production of chocolate, its financial market, and social customs associated with it. 1999.
Brestensky, Dennis F.
Patch/work Voices: The Culture and Lore of a Mining People
CS 204
America's great industrial expansion in the last quarter of the nineteenth century was fueled by the coal and coke from the Pittsburgh seam, one of the richest mineral deposits in the world. The immigrants who worked the mines brought cultural and religious traits that were often at odds with the established industrial society of the Gilded Age. This book tells of the work and home lives of these laborers in their own words, culled from a series of oral history interviews. 1991.
Cope, Myron
Double Yoi!
CS 378
Myron Cope, an official Pittsburgh legend, has been a fixture on the airwaves for over thirty years. Born Myron Sydney Kopelman, he tells about the unusual way he got started in sports writing, his colorful career as a member of the Sports Illustrated staff, and how he eventually evolved into a radio-television personality. Cope, the creator of the Pittsburgh Steelers' trademark "Terrible Towel", offers his personal sketches of athletes and coaches with whom he's come into contact, such as Cassius Clay, Chuck Noll, and Terry Bradshaw. Some strong language. 2006.
Garrison, Webb B.
A Treasury of Pennsylvania Tales
CS 314
Thirty-six vignettes that relate fairly obscure or unfamiliar information about well-known Pennsylvanians and events to provide a fresh approach to the history of the Keystone state. There are accounts of Louisia May Alcott's brief stint as a volunteer nurse during the Civil War, Stephen Foster's choice of the nonexistent Swanee River for his popular song, and more. 1996.
Kraybill, Donald
The Riddle of Amish Culture
RC 31154
The author, who spent a lifetime among the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, explains how these 'plain folk' have managed to maintain their culture and keep the modern world at bay. Kraybill feels there is much to learn from the Amish, whose strict adherence to 'Gelassenheit' (obedience, humility, submission, thrift, and simplicity) still allows them to successfully adopt some modern conveniences. 1989.
Lewie, Christopher J.
Two Generations on the Allegheny Portage Railroad: The First Railroad to Cross the Allegheny Mountains
CS 345
During the early to mid-1800s, the railroad changed the transportation industry and dramatically impacted the nature of the American economy. This is the story of the Humphreys family from Cambria County in western Pennsylvania, ancestors of the author, and their role in building the first railroad ever to cross the Allegheny Mountains. 2001.
Maraniss, David
Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero
RC 62447,
CL 12917
Biography of the Pittsburgh Pirates' right fielder Roberto Clemente (1934-1972), one of the major league's first Latino players. Details Clemente's upbringing in Puerto Rico, his arrival to the majors, and the prejudice he endured. Discusses his charitable works and his death on a disaster relief flight. Strong language. Bestseller. 2006.
Mccullough, David G.
The Johnstown Flood
RC 50905
A vivid description of the causes and effects of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood of 1889 that killed thousands. Based on first-person accounts of the tragedy that occurred when a man-made dam broke, flooding the entire valley with twenty million tons of water and debris. 1968.
Robertson, William P.
Lurking in Pennsylvania: Macabre Poetry and Seventeen Tales of Terror
CS 376
A collection of horror stories and poetry with a touch of the macabre. Robertson, a native of northwest Pennsylvania, draws his creativity from the somberness of the region. In the style of Poe and Lovecraft, Robertson uses everyday occurrences and unsettling events from his past to spin his tales. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2004.
Rogers, Fred
The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember
RC 57115,
CL 12105
Words of wisdom by the late Fred Rogers--composer, writer, puppeteer, and beloved host of TV's "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" who dedicated his life to serving children through public television. His stories, anecdotes, and insights on life ultimately speak to being yourself, understanding love, and discovering the rewards of inner discipline. Bestseller. 2003.
Secrest, Meryle
Frank Lloyd Wright
RC 35765
Portrait of the controversial 'dean' of twentieth-century American architecture. The author connects Wright's tumultuous personal life to his equally stormy path as an artist over his long career. Wright, though poorly educated, possessed a high opinion of his genius and gradually acquired the skills to design the nature-related buildings that became synonymous with modern architecture. 1992.
Seitz, Ruth H.
Pennsylvania's Historic Places
CS 67
This publication of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission provides brief historical essays on points of historic interest open to tourists. The author, a native of Pennsylvania, captures the states' rich history while discussing parks, museums, and other historical sites such as Washington Crossing Historic Park, Daniel Boone Homestead, Gettysburg National Military Park, Valley Forge, Somerset Historical Center, Old Economy Village and Flagship Niagara. 1989.
Vargo, Norm
Stadium Stories: Pittsburgh Steelers: Colorful Tales of the Black and Gold
CS 352
Veteran journalist Norm Vargo shares his favorite memories of the Steel City's beloved football team, including the "Immaculate Reception", the heroics of the 1970's "Steel Curtain", and Calvin Sweeney, the wide receiver who caught Terry Bradshaw's last pass for a touchdown. Some violence and some strong language. 2005.
If you're interested in any of these books or in finding books like them, please contact the library.
Revised February 2009
