Customer Reviews

Coney Island: Lost and Found

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Coney Island: Lost and Found is an absolutely amazing book. Charles Denson lived in Coney from the mid 1950's through the 70's and really knows the place. In the 70's he took over 5000 pictures of his world and captured the very sad devastation that was taking place. He has preserved in photos so much of the day to day life in Coney Island that is gone. He has documented with interviews and observations so much of the history of the amusement parks, bungalow colonies, bath houses and just ordinary life of people who grew up in Coney Island. What makes it so moving and real for me is his inclusion of his own life in the book. I got a very real sense of what he and his family and his friends experienced living in Coney Island. Charles Denson hasn't just studied Coney Island, he's lived and grew up there and is passionate about it. That's what powers this book and makes it so incredible. Although I've lived only a couple of miles from Coney all my life, I hardly knew what was going on. Thanks to this book, I'm learning. Coney Island came close to death in the 70's. Charles Denson introduces us to some of the people and forces that came close to killing Coney as well as the wonderful people who fought against the forces of destruction.We meet Dick Zigun, founder of the Coney Island museum, who for over 20 years has been working to keep the spirit of Coney alive.The last year or two has witnessed the opening of the ballpark, major improvements on the boardwalk, the beginning of a major rehabilitation of the Parachute Jump and the rebuiilding of Stillwell Avenue subway terminal.This book comes at a time of tremendous hope for Coney and provides us with a vision of what Coney Island was and can still be. I've only scratched the surface of the beauty and power of this book. You'll have to read it yourself and let it speak to you about Coney Island, a truly amazing and spirited place.

Although his name doesn't ring a "bell", I had to have known the author. In 1963, my family moved into the same NYC "Projects" (i.e. Coney Island Houses) where the author lived. His story is in many ways my story, his outlook on the one and only Coney, my outlook as well. In a borough of giants (well, maybe only "Dodgers"), when Brooklyn *really* WAS the "World", Coney Island was KING! Where else in the world could working-class folk (white, black, Jew and Gentile) live in relative peace and harmony while enjoying the waterfront views millionaires would be envious of?
Author Charles Denson hits the right balance with both his superb history of America's original "Playground" and his personal reflections on growing up in the shadow of a myth. Coney *was* changing along with America in the 1960s. Much of the change was harsh and relentless. Poverty and greed bred crime and desolation. Coney Island, more vulnerable than most Brooklyn neighborhoods to the ebbs and flows of capricious fortune, became a victim to the times.
The author aptly outlines this decline and recent rejuvenation with such skill that (unlike other "neighborhood" memory/history books) one can "taste" the vitality of the arisen "Phoenix" known as Coney Island.
Almost as good as a Nathan's frank and a bag of fries, sitting in a boardwalk "pavillion", watching the summer fireworks. (Or maybe skating in Abe Stark and going to the Tilyou for a matinee?).
Just an afterthought...
I thought I was the only one on earth who remembered "Al" the "Good Humor"-man...
To Mr. "Coopey" (of the immortal "Coopey's Corner"), who's recommedation here on Amazon prompted me to buy this book... You'll never know how many children's souls you touched and made smile. A THOUSAND blessings!
Charlie R,...(who broke his leg at age 6 on the monkey bars in the "little" playground next to 2928 in 1964)

Calling all Coney Island fanatics, nostalgia buffs and preservationists - this is the book for you. I hardly know where to start in singing its praises - simply put, it's a heartfelt love-letter to the past, present and future of our beloved Island. The photographs are exquisite, the author's personal experiences poignant, and the history documented fascinating. What more could you ask for?

I was amazed upon first opening Denson's book - for some years I had been photographing the "leftover buildings", as I knew them - faceless, nameless structures from the old days of Coney, unsure of their histories, but endlessly fascinated by them. Charles Denson cleared up most every mystery for me, documenting the pasts of these previously anonymous remnants. For this, I cannot thank him enough. Even further, he has included photographs that he took over a lifetime, of demolitions, which are heartbreaking, but informative, to see. It's as if he's putting his private treasure trove of images out for all the world to see, which, really, is a great gift. I owe him many thanks.

The layout and sequencing of the book is perfect, arranged in a timely, appropriate manner. Unfortunately, it is a very fast read, but not due to a shallow treatment of its subject - rather, that it is such fascinating material, handled with enthralling interest. One can feel Denson's pride and joy in Coney Island - it practically radiates from the pages.

This is one of the few books that I'd recommend buying even if one doesn't have the chance to view it first - it would be well worth three times the asking price. It is a truly landmark reference book on Coney Island - although it's a delight, it's accurate, respectable, and quite sincere, as well. The photographs alone make it worthy of purchase, as do Denson's personal stories of youth and adolescence on the Island. Please, please, please give it a try - you'll find that it is worth every penny, and that it is a book you'll hold onto for a long, long time to come.

This book was written by a person who lived in Coney Island and was known to document pictures from an early age. I was a store-keeper and know all his facts were true and accurate.I am the Coopeys Corner owner and all of his experiences brought back many pleasant and some not so pretty memories.Read it and you will know how Coney Island was and how it has changed.

Coney Island Lost and Found is just such a joy to read. A lifelong resident of the Gravesend section of Brooklyn, not far from Coney, reading this book reignited my memories and interest in this amazing fantasyland. Charles Denson's writing is well crafted and the reader can tell he put not only a lot of time and hard work in compiling all the information, but he also put his heart into this book. It captures one's imagination and is a sheer delight to anyone interested in the background of Coney Island. A memoir, an historical text, a delight. Highly
recommended.

Like many of the other reviewers, I'm a Coney Island native. Unlike them, I grew in Trump Village, located on the border between Coney and Brighton. Growing up in the 1970's and 80's, central Coney was always a bad neighborhood and I'd only heard vague stories about how great it used to be. While I have since read books and seen documentaries about Coney, Denson's book goes even deeper, especially with his wonderful use of oral history.

I had always been told that before Trump Village and Warbasse, there used to be nothing but empty land in that area. Thanks to this book, I have finally learned the truth, that there used to be a vital, functioning and even happy lower and middle income neighborhood called the Gut, before Fred Trump, Robert Moses and other developers and politicians came along and destroyed all that. Despite it's unfortunate beginnings, Trump still ended up being a decent, affordable place for many middle class Jews and Russian immigrants to live, thanks to this book, I'll always see the ghosts of the homes, theaters and people who came before everytime I go home.

For anyone who is interested in Coney Island or the rise and fall of a city neighborhood, this book is most definitely recommended. And if you grew up in or even near Coney, this book is a must-read.

Reading Charles Denson's book brought tears to my eyes.
I too lived in the Coney Island Houses from the age of 5 until 16. I experienced the dramatic transformation of the neighborhood from an idyllic, peaceful and unique seaside community to a dangerous place, where residents were afraid to venture out because of crime. The book captures,with love and intelligence, the Coney Island I'd like to remember. I am so glad that the author had the insight to document this episode in our lives. Thank you. M from building #4.

I was/always will be a Coney Island kid myself, and reading Charles Denson's accounts left me breathless. This book will transport you to a place in time that few people really know well. The writing is flawless and magical--a treat for all of your senses. Memories you never knew you had will be awakened. Thank you, "Charlie from Building 3," for this wonderful book. It was like reading an exerpt of my own autobiography. It is a work of art that will be treasured for generations to come.

This book is a winner ! I am amazed at the initiative of Mr Denson as a kid to have the vision and mission to take as many photographs as he did. I grew up on Coney Island. I lived there until 1957. I lived on W 21st, between Mermaid and Neptune Aves.I Attended PS 80 and Mark Twain JHS.I would have liked to see more pictures and references to my area in Coney Island, but that is something I should do. Denson is from the more western part. The history and writing style is top-notch and the quality of the book is first rate. Highly recommended.

This is the best book I've ever read on the history Coney Island and I've read every one I could find. It is extremely well researched and written, has incredible photographs and graphics, and a personal story that's moving and deeply felt.

Like many of the other reviewers of this book I grew up in the Coney Island area (Brighton First Street). Coney Island has an almost magical draw for me, so much so that I recently completed writing and illustrating a novel called, "Coney Island Book of the Dead" that takes place in 1956. Charles Denson's book proved to be an invaluable source of facts, lore, and pictures, but, even more importantly, of inspiration. If my novel ever gets published (I'm looking for an agent as of 6/08/07) I hope all of you coneyislandaphiles read it.

Also, you might also be interested in a new book by Charles Denson called "Wild Ride! A Coney Island Roller Coaster Family." I just ordered it.