This fascinating chronicle traces New York Citys growth from Wall Street at the end of the Revolutionary War to Harlem at the turn of the twentieth century. Documenting the frantic construction and speculative frenzy that swept through Manhattan in the nineteenth century; it explores the development of the citys landmark neighborhoods as the rural landscape of Upper Manhattan gave way street by street to todays fashionable residential and commercial districts. Compiled from newspaper archives and richly illustrated with historic images; Manhattan Moves Uptown reveals bygone days when Greenwich Village was a real village and Midtown was a cluster of shacks surrounded by garbage dumps and slaughter houses. The rise of Union Square; Murray Hill; Broadway; the Upper West Side; and other well-known areas are recounted; along with trends ranging from the first luxury department store to the earliest tenement houses. A captivating account of metropolitan flux and expansion; this book offers memorable historic views of one of the nations richest; most powerful; and most exciting cities.
#900498 in eBooks 2014-09-15 2014-09-15File Name: B00NLUUIKS
Review
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Really well written historyBy Michael FalkWade Grahams "American Eden" is a terrific read and I highly recommend it. I enjoy books on gardening; architecture and material culture generally; but very often find that such books are either too insubstantial and insufficiently researched or very much too academic. Grahams book is plenty rigorous: if you are someone who has already done some study on the thought and writing of Thomas Jefferson; for example; I think you will find something new and provocative in Grahams writing. By the same token; this is not one of those books that should only be read in a graduate seminar. The writing is really lively and engaging; and presupposes no particular background in the topic. Although the subject is gardening; it is simply a fresh and solid take on American history.This book would make a very fun gift. The focus and length of the writing definitely invites a more casual reader. And the book itself is really good looking; well laid out and in a bit wider format than most; which makes it very attractive.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. History and landscapeBy kdeeHistory and landscape are well entwined in this book. It begins with a very insightful look at Thomas Jeffersons life and influence from a garden perspective. Great reading. One cannot help but be intrigued at the twists and turns of the garden through history. Very good book. May be too much information for the very casual gardener.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Marvelous book.By kateAs an avid gardener I enjoyed every word of this book. So much information you can read it more than once and find new details each time.
