In 1872, the Missouri Republican newspaper heralded the arrival of St. Louis’ newest park beneath the headline: “A New Lung to the City.”

Now, Tower Grove Park is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The park’s rich history is the subject of a new and lavishly illustrated coffee table book by local author Amanda E. Doyle. It explores the people, plants and buildings that have made the 276 acres in south St. Louis what it is today.