Overton Park A People&39s History [Paperback]

“If you were born in Memphis, have lived in the city for any length of time, or if you don’t live there but possess an interest in a compelling piece of history, this book by Brooks Lamb is a must read. The anecdotes from a variety of mostly Memphis natives … bring the history of Overton Park to life. Lamb offers a concise and relevant narrative about arguably the most important public space in Memphis.”—Otis Sanford, author, news analyst, and Hardin Chair of Excellence in Economic and Managerial Journalism at the University of Memphis

“Like Overton Park itself, this book is a jewel.”—Bill Haltom, author ofFull Court Press: How Pat Summitt, A High School Basketball Player, and A Legal Team Changed the Game

“Overall, this is an excellent book… The combination of history and oral interviews is well done and makes the book a pleasure to read.”—Wayne Dowdy, author of multiple Memphis-focused books, includingCrusades for Freedom: Memphis and the Political Transformation of the American South

“Overton Park: A People’s History is an engaging and sobering story of what it takes to make and keep a great urban park. … As recent Rhodes College graduate Brooks Lamb shows, it has taken constant vigilance, citizen leadership, and occasional protest to preserve this nationally significant and locally priceless park. Lamb’s Overton Park biography brings park goers into the history as vitally important actors, explaining how the park captured the hearts of generations of Memphians who grew up with this place and in turn became its defenders. His is a history rich in experience, memories, and emotions. Overton Park is a worthy and timely biography of this wondrous legacy that should forever serve to conserve, refresh, invigorate, and inspire.”—Dr. Cary Fowlerl3©