CHARACTER OF THe CITY.

Twelve years ago, Timothy Holmes moved from New York City to Saratoga Springs, and immediately immersed himself in the history of his new hometown.

"As soon as I moved here, I became very preoccupied with it," he said. "It's the character of the city." Holmes, an avid Saratoga historian and member of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, attempts to capture that character in his new book, "Saratoga Springs: A Brief History" (The History Press; 159 pages; $19.99). Offering an overview of Saratoga since the early 1600s to today, Holmes discusses horse racing, early influential figures, the fall and rise of the city after World War II, and more.

"Saratoga …