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City Secrets: New York City [Turtleback]

Robert Kahn
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)


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Book Description

October 1, 2002
City Secrets has turned its innovative concept to New York, and the result is the fourth and—at 582 pages—the largest in this acclaimed series of guidebooks. City Secrets New York City, edited by Robert Kahn, is a breathtaking guide to art, food, architecture, and cultural landmarks in all five boroughs, written by more than 300 savvy and sophisticated New Yorkers. The entries range in tone from the literary to the conversational, the humorous to the scholarly. Together, this collection of vignettes forms not only a practical guidebook, but a dazzling panorama of the magnificent city.

In the pages of City Secrets New York City:

• A Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist evokes a timeless Village bookstore

• An artist takes you on an intimate tour of three exceptional paintings

• A food editor invites you into the sepia-toned interiors of vintage saloons

• An architect introduces you to the tailor that fitted Ernest Hemingway in the 1930's

• A writer leads you to the Diamond District to find the best cheese blintzes in the city

• A producer recommends a Midtown coffee shop where actors, directors and producers can be found hatching the next Broadway hit

This elegant, clothbound book features a subtle, non-guidebook design, detailed maps of all five boroughs, and recommended reading. New Yorkers who contributed to City Secrets New York City include: novelists Michael Cunningham and Rick Moody, actors Laura Linney and Eric Stolz, journalists Anna Quindlen and Kurt Andersen, poet laureate Mark Strand, neurologist Oliver Sacks, architects Richard Meier and Philip Johnson, MoMA director Glenn Lowry, artist Brice Marden, playwright John Guare, designer Kate Spade, and many others, including historians, urban archaeologists, gourmets, curators, and filmmakers.


Editorial Reviews

Review

"Kahn’s book is rich in lovely little facts that enhance a visit... You don’t have to come to New York to learn from “City Secrets: New York City” --- it’s equally enjoyable as a glorious armchair travel guide. And, with a fast Internet connection, you can drop in at most of the destinations. Seen that way, this is a colossal bargain." --HeadButler

Product Details

  • Turtleback: 586 pages
  • Publisher: Little Bookroom (October 1, 2002)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1892145081
  • ISBN-13: 978-1892145086
  • Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #332,871 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
48 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By rkchin
Format:Turtleback
In the rapidly changing face of New York City fast becoming another strip mall full of chain shops and uniformity, it is refreshing to note that yes, real New York still exists--those unappreciated, and undervalued landmarks, shops, and restaurants that truly define NYC. Famous luminaries living in the city--architects, artists, curators, and gourmets--guide you to those hidden gems through witty, and informative stories on the cultural, and historical significance of each place. Entries are organized by neighborhood, and comes complete with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and directions. City Secrets is a must for saavy travelers, and residents alike--there are many things here I never knew about. rkchin
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46 of 47 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A joy to read! October 22, 2002
By A Customer
Format:Turtleback
As a seasoned New Yorker (20 years and counting), I am not easily impressed by guide books. "Secrets" cannot be judged alongside the patronizing, cliche-ridden rest of the pack. I found myself alternately nodding and grinning (at the secret places I'd already discovered) and rushing out the door (to uncover the ones I hadn't). Finally a book that appeals equally to both the First Time visitor and the Veteran New Yorker. Smartly written, funny and insightful. Think you've seen it all in New York? Think again!
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53 of 55 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars This belongs on the book shelf of every lover of NYC January 9, 2003
Format:Turtleback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have observed an odd phenomenon. Despite it's age and crushing population, visitors, residents and even self-styled experts on NYC are always exploring and claiming to have made "discoveries" or unearthed amazing secrets. This book is another example of a book that proves the point. I am happy to report that the author (editor, really) has crafted a book that really has nuggets of knowledge that most readers will find new, interesting or both. Its facts are arranged logically and the writing conveys the passion one feels when exploring an exciting place such as NYC. Without the passion, the book would only be a book of lists. And, because the author has asked his friends to write only about things that they love, each short "secret" narrative is alive with personal insights and opinions - I like that. If you have read this far, I bet you will like the book as well.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars The Best
I'm a true blue Southerner, always will be. But, as they say, "I love NY"!!!
After several dozen visits, I discovered this book and am happy to report it proves there is... Read more
Published on September 29, 2010 by C. Peden
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent but parts are outdated
I absolutely love this book-- I recently moved to NYC, and this book is by far the best at introducing me to the parts of the city that go beyond tourist-ville. Read more
Published on March 20, 2010 by happygirl13
5.0 out of 5 stars Once you've seen the Empire State, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square...
Almost every afternoon, as I go to collect the kid at school, I run into a foreign couple at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 94th Street. They have a guidebook in hand. Read more
Published on January 21, 2010 by Jesse Kornbluth
5.0 out of 5 stars Great sourcebook for Manhattan
Even if you know the city, this book is an excellent addition to a guidebook collection. Lots of "insider" views, with good backstories for the places. Read more
Published on October 7, 2009 by D. M. Kuhn
5.0 out of 5 stars best kept secret
I have an armload of NYC guides and this one is a delight to read. It is a love affair with the big apple and a great addition to a standard get around the city type book
Published on August 23, 2007 by Claudia
3.0 out of 5 stars I just can't get past the lack of aesthetics...
I was soooo looking forward to getting this book - but I have to honestly say that the layout is so utterly boring that I just can't get past it. Read more
Published on August 2, 2007 by Mindelei Wuori
3.0 out of 5 stars Good but not for the short-term vacation turist
This book has some good secrets but i found some not very useful or interesting or yet non existant (or so secret they change the adress regularly). Read more
Published on May 7, 2007 by Dra M. Helena Carrilho
1.0 out of 5 stars keep your money
Every winter I spend a week in NYC -to attend the opera, theater, concerts, museums, etc. I hoped this book would offer me some unexpected, relatively undiscovered places to... Read more
Published on January 11, 2007 by Poppy
5.0 out of 5 stars Explore New York
Great guide to quirky shops, less well-known sports and odd bitss of history. A joy to read and to guide your explorations.
Published on July 15, 2006 by Editcoachnb (NY NY)
5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure and A Perfect Gift
City Secrets New York City is not only an amazing guide to the lesser known sites and sounds of New York but it is the perfect gift for those traveling to the great city. Read more
Published on August 1, 2003 by S. Simons
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