Planning a trip to Detroit, or know someone fascinated by its history? A History Lover’s Guide To Detroit is the ideal resource for exploring the Motor City’s captivating story. This guide dives deep into the historical narrative of a city that shaped the world.
Having guided numerous tours of Detroit, I noticed a recurring theme: visitors often arrived with limited knowledge and underwhelming expectations. However, they were consistently surprised and captivated by the city’s rich offerings. Their curiosity ignited, they sought more information about Detroit’s fascinating past, eager to remember everything they learned during their visit.
This inspired me to write a book that would not only solidify their tour experiences but also satisfy their hunger for knowledge about Detroit. The goal was to create a guidebook that would enable visitors to explore the city independently or enhance their guided tours.
The writing process took several years and multiple attempts. After discussing Detroit daily, the idea of writing about it in my free time seemed daunting. However, A History Lover’s Guide To Detroit ultimately materialized and was published by The History Press in late 2018.
This book provides an in-depth tour of Detroit, a city that not only revolutionized the automotive industry but also boasts a long and remarkable history of innovation, philanthropy, social justice, and culture. Discover the location where Dr. King delivered his early “I have a dream” speech, and the studio where Berry Gordy pioneered the Motown sound. Uncover the stories behind the iconic Diego Rivera murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts, as well as the significance of the city’s numerous skyscrapers and monuments.
While the downtown section provides ample points of interest, additional chapters extend beyond the city center for those seeking a more comprehensive exploration.
A History Lover’s Guide To Detroit features a wealth of vintage photographs, reprinted postcards from my collection, and stunning contemporary images captured by local photographer Rodney Arroyo.
Originally designed to complement our See The D tours, A History Lover’s Guide To Detroit has proven to be a valuable, self-contained resource, especially when consulted before your visit. An Amazon reviewer even described the book as a “Detroit Visitor’s Guide” and a “Great Book” for enhancing their knowledge of the city.
The reviewer noted: “It was great to have this book when going around Detroit. We just used it to reinforce our knowledge of my mother’s hometown and my cousin’s hometown. It was a Great Book.”
Even Santa approves!
A History Lover’s Guide To Detroit is available for purchase directly from the publisher and other major online retailers. Select Barnes & Noble and Target stores in the region also carry the book. If you prefer supporting local businesses, many regional stores also stock it. Alternatively, you can purchase a signed copy at a discounted rate when you register for a See The D tour.
A History Lover’s Guide to Detroit is your passport to exploring the city’s captivating narrative, from its automotive legacy to its contributions to music, art, and social progress. Discover the stories behind the landmarks, the innovators, and the cultural movements that shaped Detroit into the dynamic metropolis it is today.
Karin Risko is the founder of City Tour Detroit and author of A History Lover’s Guide To Detroit. For more information on tours or to book her as a speaker, please email Karin at info@citytourdetroit.com.
© 2019. Content copyrighted by Karin Risko and City Tour Detroit. Feel free to share article if it’s published in its entirety including author bio and photographer credits.