The Empire State Building is the landmark book on one of the world’s most notable landmarks. Since its publication in 1995; John Tauranac’s book; focused on the inception and construction of the building; has stood as the most comprehensive account of the structure. Moreover; it is far more than a work in architectural history; Tauranac tells a larger story of the politics of urban development in and through the interwar years. In a new epilogue to the Cornell edition; Tauranac highlights the continuing resonance and influence of the Empire State Building in the rapidly changing post-9/11 cityscape.
#3970643 in eBooks 2014-03-10 2014-03-10File Name: B00J86V8T4
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Better than nothing.By CustomerJaprocksampler is entertainingly written and its fine if youre just looking for an intro to Flower Travellin Band and some of the Fluxus-related stuff. However; Im giving three stars because Cope writes as if hes more familiar with the material than he actually is. His sourcing is shady and he seems to have leaned heavily on just a couple of narratives available in English. Hes also really biased against the Tigers for some reason despite not seeming to know much about them; including thinking Toppo was two different people because he uses two names at different points in his career.Copes disdain for mainstream Japanese music and his constant referencing of Western rock bands (as if thats the focal point for all Japanese music) began to grate after a while; which also makes me lean towards three stars.You also get a distorted impression of Flower Travellin Band; who were marginal to mainstream rock at best; and better known outside Japan. But; its better than the NOTHING ELSE available on the topic. So go for it but be warned that the book isnt 100% accurate.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. writing exercise?; the SAMPLER of sashimi tastes in 70s JapanBy RobThis is a great starting point for those curious about the now-defunct greats of the past; from Rallizes and their hikikomori frontman to Pepe and his howling stories about walking drugstores. Some have said that Copes writing sits between tedium and masturbatory glee; and I tend to agree. Those who read Krautrock sampler will notice the many parallels Cope tries (sometimes successfully; sometimes not) to make between the two scenes; sometimes letting his own language trip him up. By the time he said "sub-sub-sub-Cosmic Jokers" for the 4th time; I was thinking of all the drinking game rules that could be made about coping with long exposure to UV rays (staring at sun similar to reading this book) and the -ahem- "Ur-babel" of Copes writing. It leaves nothing to be wanted on the solo; but the rhythm and factual beats are sometimes pushed back in the wall of sound that screaming about your favorite bands makes--fair enough; I guess. Something to be said of this fun. Check out how you feel about these bands; then check the top 50 "mini-reviews" in the back; read one or two; and see if youd like to dig further. Recommend the music HARDD--I just dont want to be blamed when your teardrop explodes.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Richard Roygreat item highly suggested
