The City That Was: A Requiem of Old San Francisco

"The City That Was: A Requiem of Old San Francisco" by Will Irwin is a poignant reflection on a metropolis forever altered, capturing the heart of a unique, pre-earthquake San Francisco. The writing mourns the San Francisco that existed before the catastrophic 1906 earthquake, detailing its landscape, diverse people, and electric spirit, preserving them in memory. The narrative illustrates the city's unusual architecture and energetic social scene, including the notorious Barbary Coast and its varied food. It is a tribute to a lost era, evoking a sense of longing for the spirited culture that once defined San Francisco.