Hailed as "extraordinarily learned" (New York Times); "blithe in spirit and unerring in vision;" (New York Magazine); and the "definitive record of New Yorks architectural heritage" (Municipal Art Society); Norval White and Elliot Willenskys book is an essential reference for everyone with an interest in architecture and those who simply want to know more about New York City.First published in 1968; the AIA Guide to New York City has long been the definitive guide to the citys architecture. Moving through all five boroughs; neighborhood by neighborhood; it offers the most complete overview of New Yorks significant places; past and present. The Fifth Edition continues to include places of historical importance--including extensive coverage of the World Trade Center site--while also taking full account of the construction boom of the past 10 years; a boom that has given rise to an unprecedented number of new buildings by such architects as Frank Gehry; Norman Foster; and Renzo Piano. All of the buildings included in the Fourth Edition have been revisited and re-photographed and much of the commentary has been re-written; and coverage of the outer boroughs--particularly Brooklyn--has been expanded.Famed skyscrapers and historic landmarks are detailed; but so; too; are firehouses; parks; churches; parking garages; monuments; and bridges. Boasting more than 3000 new photographs; 100 enhanced maps; and thousands of short and spirited entries; the guide is arranged geographically by borough; with each borough divided into sectors and then into neighborhood. Extensive commentaries describe the character of the divisions.Knowledgeable; playful; and beautifully illustrated; here is the ultimate guided tour of New Yorks architectural treasures.Acclaim for earlier editions of the AIA Guide to New York City:"An extraordinarily learned; personable exegesis of our metropolis. No other American or; for that matter; world city can boast so definitive a one-volume guide to its built environment."-- Philip Lopate; New York Times"Blithe in spirit and unerring in vision."-- New York Magazine"A definitive record of New Yorks architectural heritage... witty and helpful pocketful which serves as arbiter of architects; Baedeker for boulevardiers; catalog for the curious; primer for preservationists; and sourcebook to students. For all who seek to know of New York; it is here. No home should be without a copy."-- Municipal Art Society"There are two reasons the guide has entered the pantheon of New York books. One is its encyclopedic nature; and the other is its inimitable style--smart; vivid; funny and opinionated as the architectural historian Christopher Gray once summed it up in pithy W W fashion."-- Constance Rosenblum; New York Times"A book for architectural gourmands and gastronomic gourmets."-- The Village Voice
#1326035 in eBooks 2010-05-04 2010-05-04File Name: B003MVZAJ0
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A great look at behind the scenes...By Jill MeyerOkay. Im an opera "newbie". Living in Santa Fe. its a bit hard to avoid opera-fever but for five years I managed to do so. But last year I "succumbed" to both "The Met in HD" and live opera at that beautiful outdoor setting up on the hill. just north of Santa Fe. Since discovering opera. Ive also been reading about it. One of the best books Ive read is "Living Opera". by Joshua Jampol.Published in 2010. the book is a series of 20 interviews with different opera "people". From singers Placido Domingo and Renee Fleming. to directors and conductors Patrice Chereau and Seiji Ozawa - to name a few - Jampol takes the reader behind the scenes of the opera and into the hearts and minds of those who have made modern opera what it is. Jampol asks intelligent questions that might seem easy at first for the subjects to answer. but he asks them in such a way to elicit responses that resonate with the reader.Jampol covers everything from how operas are staged to orchestra arrangements to how the singers both prepare for their performances and recover from them. Some of the singers have children and they explain how they fit parenting into a life essentially lived on the run. These are relatively short interviews but by asking the right questions. Jampol has written a lively book based on the answers.You dont have to be an opera-novice to enjoy this book. I can recommend it to anyone looking for some behind-the-scenes look at the wonder and majesty of opera.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Living OperaBy Marilyn J MeekerFor anyone interested in what makes artists involved in opera "tick." this book is ideal. We get not only the singers perspective. but those of conductors and directors. And for the singers. despite the diverse backgrounds of the artists included. its fascinating to see the common issues across the discipline. The interviewer does a skillful job in his descriptions and narratives to capture the personalities of the artists before the actual interviews begin. A most entertaining and thought-provoking book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Living Opera - Joshua JampolBy Kris ZinkThis is a fascinating book of interviews of currently famous opera singers. producers and conductors. Ive enjoyed it immensely! I highly recommend it.
