Purpose of the Book

The purpose of this book is twofold: (1) to furnish a clue to the history of Boston as an individual community that, owing to the force of circumstances and the spirit of its people, has played a conspicuous and influential part in the larger development of Massachusetts, of New England and of the nation; and (2) to indicate the nature of the events that gave historical significance to memorable sites and objects that have survived the ravages of time and still excite interest and veneration.

So it is not a history that it presents to the reader, but rather a relation or narrative concerning the development of "a poor country village" into a great city of vast and varied interests and of commanding rank.