Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition); as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits; maps; sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images; so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts; we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.
2014-08-13 2014-08-13File Name: B00MPIWQAW
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent comprehensive; irreverent guidebook to historic sites.By Jon L AlbeeA prospective reader may ask; "How is it possible to build an architectural survey of New York?" This book is the answer.This book is about breadth rather than depth. There are thousands of entries from all five boroughs; but Manhattan figures most prominently. Though important modern examples are included; the emphasis here is definitely on architectural history. Each entry includes a tiny black white photograph and a sentence or two of descriptive text. Though it all sounds rather summary; it actually works quite well. The photographs are good enough to show you how each building looks from the street; and the text is surprisingly insightful. The somewhat snarky tone of the author makes what could easily be a dry list of sites a really good book.There are maps and introductory essays for each neighborhood. About 50 sites that hold exceptional landmark status are featured with a more detailed description and a larger; more revealing photo.The book treats the World Trade Center site particularly well; including entries for what "was" and what "will be." Very nice. The authors are also sensitive to important lost landmarks; including them in separate sections entitled "necrology." I just love the wit and wisdom!The book is only loosely arranged in "tours;" and is broken down into neighborhoods which can be explored on foot. New Jersey and suburbs are not part of the catalog.No city on earth even approaches the urban ensemble of 19th and 20th century architecture that is New York. It is truly a sight to behold. Heres a book that will introduce you properly; and provides the necessary foundation from which to extend your exploration. This is also the best reference work you are going to find on this topic.9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Easy to carryBy CustomerOne Customer Review says; "The latest edition; even in paperback; is so expanded and comprehensive that carrying it on a walking tour is unthinkable." Not true. I have toured New York four days during the past month since buying the book. Each day was twelve hours or more of walking with book in hand; constantly flipping from map to text-entry and back. Its tall narrow shape makes it handle like a small book. Both hands can support the spine while one thumb flips pages forward and the other back. Mine still looks new after 50 hours of this.The paperback editions covers; and the pages; seem able to withstand outdoor use. Last Friday afternoon while I was taking a break in Madison Square a pigeon dropping splatted all over the back cover of my book. It was a minute at least before I could acquire some napkins; but when I did it wiped off cleanly. The mess did not even begin soaking through and there is no warping of the cover or discoloration. It didnt even smell.That same day I happened to cross paths with a New Yorker (Im a tourist) who came up and spoke to me while I was standing; book in hand; looking up at 36 Gramercy Park East in the "Union Square to Grammercy Park" walking tour. He was carrying the very same book. He said he uses it regularly. Im just saying; carrying this book is not "unthinkable."The walking tours are efficiently laid out. Sticking to them; I have found; saves steps. Its not easy for me to travel to New York so the days I can get there I start walking early; stay late; and try to cover as much ground as possible. Last Friday (Sept 16 2011) for example; I began the 71-site "Ladies Mile" walking tour at 7 am and finished at 2:30 in the afternoon; a rate of 10 sites per hour including a half-hour lunch. After my (necessary) nap in Madison Square with the pigeons perching overhead I continued on to the 38 sites of the "Union Square to Gramercy Park" walking tour; finishing at 7 pm; again a rate of 10 per hour. So in 12 hours I covered 109 sites and completed 2 of the books walking tours.It is so nice to arrive in the morning with one conception of New York and leave at night with a substantially expanded view. Thats what this book does really well for me. Especially appreciated is the history-of-occupancy of buildings. Heres an example: "Onetime Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company branch / originally New York County National Bank / now Nickel Spa for Men." (H14 on page 210 in the "Chelsea" walking tour).The book contains; by my quick count; somewhere around 1500 sites in Manhattan below 59th Street; 2500 sites in Manhattan as a whole; 900 in Brooklyn; 400 in the Bronx; and 350 in Queens. Im only counting the numbered sites and not the lettered subheadings that sometimes occur under a number; and Im not counting Staten Island. Every site is on one of the walking tours; of which there are around 200.Another Customer Review says; "... there are errors; both of omission and commission." (That reviewer didnt specify any). I cant speak for "omissions" but I do occasionally find minor errors. They have not been bothersome. I havent found any that couldnt be figured out on the spot. Here are the seven Ive found in my first four 12-hour walks covering eight of the walking tours:Page 75: Site 36 on the "Civic Center" walking tour; 415 Broadway; National City Bank of New York. Should be located between Canal St and Lispenard St; one block north of where this map shows it.Page 88: Site 8 on the "Chinatown/Little Italy" walking tour; First Shearith Israel Graveyard. Should be located between Oliver St and James St; one block north of where this map shows it.Page 132: The heading at the top left of this page should read "The Villages" instead of "Lower Manhattan."Page 206: At the southern end of the High Line; "Horatio St" should be "Gransevoort St" and "Gransevoort St" should be "Horatio St."Page 207: Site 8 on the "Chelsea" walking tour. Should be located on the south side of West 22 Street instead of the north side.Page 230: Site 12 on the "Ladies Mile" walking tour; the Westminster; 180 West 20 Street. The entry says the building is located "along 7th Avenue to 21st St" but it is actually located between 20th and 19th Street. The map on the next page shows it correctly.Page 233: The picture labeled "L24" should be "L26."2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Best Guide to NYC BuildingsBy Anne MillsThe new (2010) edition; and just as useful and entertaining as the prior (2000) volume. A lot of new buildings have gone up in the past decade; many of them far more adventurous than the usual NYC norm; so it is definitely worth getting the new book. Architecture buffs and NYC aficionados will find this very useful on a walk; and great fun to leaf through at home. It doesnt have walking tour maps (I had forgotten that the earlier edition did) but Id rather make up my own maps on Google; and throw in some shopping.
