READ THIS: How to Read New York: A Crash Course in Big Apple Architecture Written by Will Jones
Life in Manhattan is so busy, how often does anyone actually stop to smell the roses?
Well, it's time to start, particularly on a Sunday as Rizzoli, our favorite bookstore, has come out with a brand new hot title on the exciting architecture of New York.
It is written more broadly than Whom You Know and encompasses all 5 boroughs of the city, but of course we're going to comment on only Manhattan because that is what we do!
(in terms of New York City, anyway! If you are on the West Coast soon-be sure not to miss Mover and Shaker Campion Platt's upcoming events!)
How to Read New York is laid out intelligently by architectural style and each specific building has splendid photographs (we especially like the one of The Plaza page 78 all by itself many years ago!) and just the right amount of detail to make you want to plan a walk around the city with this book as your tour guide. We cannot think of a more civilized tour guide than a lovely Rizzoli book! From Classical Colonial Statue of Liberty & St. Paul's Chapel (oooh did you know that it is the only prerevolutionary building still in use in New York) to the Modern and Postmodern like Madison Square Garden are all covered in this succinct little number.
The book is packed with tidbits you will want to know - you know we love Landmarks & the great work of the New York Landmarks Conservancy and we learned that the Lyceum was the first Manhattan theater to be granted landmark status and also did you know that the New York Public Library at 5th and 42nd has walls that are over a foot thick!
That's our kind of quiet in this noisy place.
The verbiage is fantastic as well! Check this description out:
"A riot of Gothic splendor amid the steel and glass towers of Manhattan, St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of the most magnificent historic buildings in New York."
The end of each style section is cleverly punctuated with a location map with numbered keys to let you have an aerial view of it all.
Whom You Know Highly Recommends How to Read New York!
It's just perfect for a city stroll in this lovely mild winter.
***
Essential reading for both native New Yorkers and tourists alike, How to Read New York unveils the boundless diversity of Gotham’s architectural wonders. Covering every era of New York architecture—from what remains of the colonial days to the latest postmodern skyscraper—this unique guidebook illuminates the fascinating architectural and urban history of New York.
Organized chronologically and by architectural style, the book covers key highlights of the built environment from the Battery to Inwood. Many of the skyline’s most iconic buildings are included, along with many lesser-known buildings that are architecturally interesting. Charmingly illustrated with 430 line drawings and vintage engravings that bring old New York to life, the book concludes with a map section that suggests themed walking tours.
About the Author
Will Jones is a journalist and writer based in Ontario specializing in architecture and design. His articles have appeared in RIBA Journal, the Financial Times, Blueprint, and Dwell. His previous books include Unbuilt Masterworks of the 21st Century and New York: City Monograph.
Pub Date: February 21, 2012
Format: Trade Paperback
Category: Architecture - General
Publisher: Rizzoli
Trim Size: 5-1/4 x 6-7/16
US Price: $17.95
CAN Price: $19.95
ISBN: 978-0-7893-2490-0
