I'm that rarity, a native Denverite, and fascinated by my cowtown's historic layers, many of which I've watched overlay the old ones with my very own eyes. Okay, so it's not really a cowtown anymore, but I've been here long enough to remember when it was one — or at least more of one — and that's why I love it whenever Historic Denver Inc. releases another series of its sweet, succinct Historic Denver Guides. The slim paperbacks, which slip easily into a pocket, help keep my town's disappearing nooks and crannies alive against the continuing tide of redevelopment and change.

The latest batch includes impromptu self-guided tours exploring the oft-overlooked (and frequently scraped-off) bungalows of Washington Park, the ups and downs of East Colfax Avenue, and Denver's mid-century-modern masterpieces (in a tiny tome co-authored by Westword art critic and resident mid-century fanatic Michael Paglia); the last, Historic Denver Landmarks for Children and Families, offers a kid-friendly twist.

All of the authors — Nancy Widmann, Laurie and Thomas Simmons, Michelle Pearson, Diane Wray Tomasso and Paglia — will be on hand to discuss and sign the books tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Tattered Cover LoDo, 1628 16th Street, itself a lovely historic site. Call 303-436-1070.
Fri., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., 2007