During the second quarter of the 19th century, explains O'Connor (emeritus history, Boston College), a leadership elite--Unitarian men of family background, liberal education, and managerial experience in a variety of enterprises--used their personal talents and substantial financial resources to promote the cultural, intellectual, and humanitarian interests of Boston to the point that it would be the envy of the nation. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)