Atlanta's Historic Westview Cemetery (Landmarks)

Much more than I expected. I ordered another one for a family member.

This book is an outstanding historical look at Westview Cemetery!A place (Westview) that incorporates not only graves of thousands of thousands of people but also remnants of a civil war battlefield (Ezra Church of The Atlanta Campaign) , in addition to being a silent witness of history for over 130 years. A cemetery, per square foot, has more history "buried" in it, than any other historical place. This cemetery packs a punch and Jeff Clemmons has made Atlanta's Historic Westview Cemetery, the largest in the southeast, in Atlanta, GA, assessable to a world audience. I urge you to dive into the history of this 600 plus acres and discover the ties that this land has to the Coca-Cola Company, Hollywood (past & present), the American Civil War, Tales of Brer Rabbit, golfer J. Douglas Edgar (author of The Gate To Golf), Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield (Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport), multiple Grammy Award winner Robert Shaw, and many more. The history of a country is reflected and told by the names found on tombstones!This book, written by Jeff Clemmons, is an ode to not only Westview Cemetery but the greater Atlanta area history. Jeff is not only a author, but a very talented and deeply researched historian. This history is worth the read... you will be left with wanting more of this newly minted National Historical Landmark!

This long overdue history of Westview Cemetery is completely researched and well-written. It covers every era of Westview's history and overlaps into the history of the city of Atlanta and shows the correlation between the two. Jeff Clemmons' writing style is easy to follow and does not become bogged down with data. His interest in Westview is obvious and comes through to his reader. Each chapter provides insight into the particular era it covers and captures the thought processes behind the decisions that shaped Westview. The Candler era is especially interesting. Many photos, which are included within the corresponding words.Anyone with an interest in the history of Atlanta, Westview or even the American cemetery industry should give this book a look and a read. Well done!

I was very excited to read this wonderful book. I found myself wanting it to go on and on! Jeff is a master storyteller; he gives you the historical facts, but in a way that makes you want to go to Westview and see all that he writes about. Jeff’s passion for his subject is what makes the book so good. I have lived in Atlanta my whole life, but was so amazed at the information I did not know. I can only hope that Jeff continues to tell the history and stories of other places. He has a gift for this!

This is a great book about an interesting place. I bought two books. The other book details the famous people interred at Westview. This book is more of a history of the place itself. It includes histories of hot controversies that occurred over the years and details of previous owners' visions of what might have been. Highly recommended

A detailed history and informative account of one of the oldest cemeteries in Atlanta, Georgia. One of the highlights is the beautiful mausoleum. A must read for anyone interested in Atlanta history!

Great historical book but the black and white pictures were of low quality and need to be in color.

Very well written and interesting history of the cemetery.