In “A Magdalen’s Life” Georgie Young, Grand Rapids most famous courtesan during the 1880s, describes her early life and how it led her to the world’s “oldest profession.” The book was written to raise money for her cause, a home for fallen women, which became known as the Emerson Home.

History of Grand Rapids by Charles Richard Tuttle (1874) $10.00

The first ever history of Grand Rapids

Pioneer Recollections: Semi-Historic Side Lights on the Early Days of Lansing by Daniel S. Mevis (1911) $10.00

This little book deals mostly "with the first ten years of the founding and development of the capitol city of the state of Michigan, together with the faces of some of the more prominent pioneers." (from the introduction)

The Story of Grand Rapids, Michigan by Carol Mary Holt (1915) $8.00

A booklet prepared for the Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Old Grand Rapids, Pen Pictures by Arthur S. White (1925) $8.00

A selection of White's contributions to different local newspapers from the beginning of the 20th century to 1925. Full of anecdotes and quirky details.

A Citizens' History of Grand Rapids, compiled and edited by William J. Etten (1926) $12.00

The intent of this publication, marking the Campau Centennial, was to "give the reader an idea of how Grand Rapids grew from a wilderness and out of swamps into a modern, progressive, well-governed municipality." Includes maps, pictures and original documents.

The Yesterdays of Grand Rapids by Charles E. Belknap (1922) $12.00 (Image not yet available.)

Full of interesting anecdotes about the early history of Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids Flora: a catalog of the flowering plants and ferns growing without cultivation in the vicinity of Grand Rapids, Michigan by Emma J. Cole (1901) $12.00 (Image not yet available.)

An academically worthwhile botany book but no illustrations.