Sutro's Glass Palace

The Story of Sutro Baths

by John A. Martini

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Pub Date Jan 31 2014 | Archive Date May 25 2014

Hole in the Head Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Members' Titles

History | Travel

Description

Hole in the Head Press announces the release of Sutro’s Glass Palace: The Story of Sutro Baths by John A. Martini, a meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated history of one of San Francisco’s “lost landmarks.” Complementing the text, artist Lawrence Ormsby recreated Sutro Baths in their heyday in remarkable detail, providing a unique view of this glorious “glass palace” from initial construction to finished building; both interior and exterior views are included. Rounding out the visual story are historical photographs (some never before published) and ephemera and other items from significant San Francisco Bay Area collections.

Built by Comstock millionaire Adolph Sutro as the world’s largest indoor swimming complex, Sutro Baths dazzled visitors with its Victorian opulence when it opened in 1894. Among its attractions were seven swimming pools, a museum, restaurants, tropical plants, promenades, and seating for thousands of spectators.

Today, the site of Sutro Baths, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, continues to attract thousands of visitors, who come to explore its concrete ruins and mysterious tunnels.

Sutro’s Glass Palace is a celebration of one of the city’s legendary diversions, a place long gone but not forgotten.

Advance Praise

Expertly written, this lavishly illustrated book brings San Francisco’s Sutro Baths back to life. Martini’s prose and the book’s exceptional design lead you not only through the architecture, engineering, and history of the vanished landmark, but also skillfully guide you through the massive complex of ruins that mark where it once stood.—James Delgado, Director, Maritime Heritage Program, NOAA, and Author, Gold Rush Port: The Maritime Archaeology of San Francisco's Waterfront

For those who visited Sutro Baths decades ago, for those who visited the ruins and wondered what once stood there, and for those who have only recently discovered them. Now we can see the Baths in all their glory, exactly as they once stood. John Martini has reconstructed the Baths within this book. A truly amazing history.—Tom Wyrsch, Writer/Director, Sutro’s: The Palace at Lands End

The ultimate Sutro Baths history, one that will stand the test of time to define a grand landmark. Written with a critical eye on the historical record, getting both the facts and the story right. Combined with the historic photos and drawings, the illustrations bring the Baths to life as nothing else could have.—James R. Smith, Author, San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach

Expertly written, this lavishly illustrated book brings San Francisco’s Sutro Baths back to life. Martini’s prose and the book’s exceptional design lead you not only through the architecture...

Marketing Plan

Mailing to major book reviewers, Author's speaking events, Sponsored reviews, Mailings to major Bay Area independent booksellers, Participation in IBPA Marketing programs, Promotional rack card distribution at Sutro Baths, Mobile app tie-in with the book that will allow visitors to Sutro Baths to view illustrations of the buildings on their smart phones as they explore the site.

Mailing to major book reviewers, Author's speaking events, Sponsored reviews, Mailings to major Bay Area independent booksellers, Participation in IBPA Marketing programs, Promotional rack card...