The Other Bostonians

The Other Bostonians is a history book by Lizabeth Cohen that explores Boston’s social and cultural landscape from the 1880s to the 1960s. It focuses on middle- and working-class residents, highlighting their efforts to shape the city’s institutions, neighborhoods, and civic life. Cohen examines how these communities balanced economic growth with social justice, emphasizing their contributions to education, housing, and activism. The book reveals how these diverse groups sought to improve their lives and preserve community, offering a nuanced view of Boston’s history beyond its often-highlighted elite and political figures.