Customer Reviews

Above New York

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4 star:		(1)
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This is the best photographic book I have ever seen. Its pictures of The Big Apple are magnificent! Comparative pictures taken in years past, many in the 1920s, show how sections of the city have changed. Whether one is a fan of New York and who isn't, you will enjoy this book. It makes me want all the other "Above" books now.

Robert Cameron's book is breathtaking and very beautiful. Natives of the City, tourists and new citizens of NYC will love this book, because it gives you a prospective of the city that most visitors never see. The photos are a graphic map to the avenues, streets, parks and buildings that are a part of this great American city. The pictures are sharp and clear. The color is vivid and thought provoking. This is a must for anyone who would like to know more about New York City. This is a great addition to anyone's library and it is a real conversation piece.

Cameron reveals a new perspective of NYC from the air. This book allows you to see the many types of architecture and styles throughout the city and the surrounding boros. "Above New York" is by far my favorite photography book to date.

Robert Cameron's book, "Above New York", is one of the best photographic books that I've seen in recent years. Some areas of the city are chronicled from an historic perspective, while other areas are displayed in their modern beauty. I appreciate the juxtaposition of the older photos with their more modern counterparts.

His views of downtown are especially well-done, and in light of recent times, it was a comfort to see the skyline in the traditional beauty. The view of the Twin Towers rising from the battery with Lady Liberty in the foreground seems especially meaningful in these times when our freedom seems threatened.

Robert Cameron lets us share his special vantage point of New York City. Spectacular color aerial photographs of the most famous skyline in the world cram the book from cover to cover, sprinkled with a few b&w historical photos to show how the city grew. Captions are informative and knowledgeable. The photos and printing are clean and bright, unlike previous books like "New York from the Air." Sections are organized by location, and the outer boroughs aren't neglected. Lifelong native or weekend visitor, you probably have never seen NYC like this. Worth the full price, but a steal at Amazon's price -- especially if you compare the cost of a 15 minute helicopter tour! If you like New York, this is a must-have.

Robert Cameron's "Above New York: A Collection of Historical and Original Aerial Photographs of New York City" sets itself apart from other similar books. In no particular order:

a) the photos are unbelieveably crisp and the printing is of top-notch quality;
b) don't ask me how, but Mr. Cameron makes the city look like a place where human beings actually live and work, rather than making the cityscape look like an architectural diorama;
c) other boroughs are represented! New York is not just Manhattan, as so many other books would have you think.

The contrast of the modern skyline with the older photographs is very effective, as others have mentioned. But what is also appealing is the changes of the skyline between the time these photos were taken (ca. 1988) and today, as we New Yorkers would notice. The images of the World Trade Center are poignant, but I'm glad that the publishers did not update the book, in order to remove them. As time takes its healing course, we can look back fondly on those buildings--still with pain, but now with some acceptance. "Above New York: A Collection of Historical and Original Aerial Photographs of New York City" remains a glorious collection that has yet to be eclipsed in quality.

Rocco Dormarunno
author of The Five Points

Above New York is one of Robert Cameron's best books of aerial photogrpahy, possibly because when your subject matter is the New York skyline, you really can't go wrong. But, come to think of it, that's not true. (see New York from the Air)

We see dozens upon dozens of skyscrapers and get a good idea as to the general geography of Manhattan, but what would have been really great were several shots looking straight down over the city, so you could see the tops of buildings and every street that went around them. What Cameron really ought to do is do another one of these books in about three years, to perfect each section and show any of the unfortunately many buildings that were under construction during the shooting of this book. Still, the majority of the photographs are purely specatacular.

Let me first say I love New York, it is quite simply the most energetic, vibrant, alive place on earth. This book does the city such a service, it is spectacular and photographs just amazing. Mr. Cameron is such a singular talent and he does it hanging out of a helicopter. This book really captures the city and lets the viewer see the hidden New York, that very few see. I love the photos of Central Park, you have no idea what an oasis it is until you see it from high above. Some photos are in summer some are in winter and you get to see the city in all its various incarnations. Mr. Cameron also includes some vintage photos to let the viewer see how much the city has changed. I only wish that Mr. Careron had been able to photograph my city of Houston, she would have welcomed him with opened arms. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.

This book is really great. I recommend it to anyone who loves NY!

My first visit in New York was realy excited. And this book make me come to this city whenever I want.