The Paris of Appalachia - by Brian O'Neill (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A study of the city of Pittsburgh's unique history and spirit.

Maybe you never wondered if any metro area nearly straddles the borders of three major regions of the country, but The Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh in the Twenty-First Century tells us why this city is a place apart. It's not East Coast, Midwest, or Southern, but the rest of America can fret about how to label Pittsburgh. It's just fine being a walkable town that plays a big city on TV. Brian O'Neill, who walked its streets for more than three decades as a newspaper columnist, fell in love with the place from the moment he arrived. And when you read what he found, odds are better than even that you will, too. This reissue of the book includes a new introduction.

Review Quotes

"Brian has written a lovely paean to Pittsburgh; that is: a joyously exultant song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph. Pittsburghers should read it; they will find themselves in it. Prospective Pittsburghers should read it; they will find a depiction of soul that eludes the real estate agents."-- "Paul O'Neill, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Alcoa Chairman"

"Brian O'Neill is a wonderful writer. He analyzes perfectly Pittsburgh's unerring habit of screwing itself. He loves all the right stuff. I loved his book."-- "Annie Dillard, Pulitzer Prize winner and Pittsburgh native"

"Brian O'Neill truly appreciates what this city is, scars and all. This is a terrific book. This guy gets it."-- "Michael Keaton, actor and Pittsburgh native"

"Every city needs a loving interpreter who tells the stories that go to its heart and soul and shape its identity. Pittsburgh is lucky to have Brian O'Neill who revels in city life and is alert to the city's maddening insecurities. All of us who love Pittsburgh and think it should shape up immediately will enjoy and identify with this wonderful book."-- "Peter Leo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist"

"Like a great conversation on a Pittsburgh tavern barstool. With sympathy and humor, but also with realism and facts, O'Neill captures the essence of my hometown. The region long ago lost its industrial preeminence, and, as O'Neill explains, has been abused by politicians and planners for decades. And yet, almost miraculously, Pittsburgh's unique culture--and yes, dramatic beauty--are more vivid and inspiring than ever. So are the funny, unassuming, self-critical and brave citizens whom O'Neill portrays. They are the real reasons why Pittsburgh will always be Pittsburgh."-- "Howard Fineman, Newsweek columnist and NBC news analyst"

About the Author

Brian O'Neill was an award-winning columnist for The Pittsburgh Press and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for thirty-two years before retiring in the summer of 2020. He lives on the city's North Side with his wife, Carrie Giest.