Designs Underfoot: The Art of Manhole Covers in New York City [Hardcover]

Diana Stuart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2003

More than 300 evocative photographs of these remarkable relics of New York's architectural heritage.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Overlooked for nearly two centuries, New York's manhole covers are at last brought to the forefront in this book, which traces the evolution of their intricate designs and styles. Through intriguing history bites, and nearly 400 photographs, Designs Underfoot demonstrates how these mainstays of city life, once considered merely utilitarian street hardware, are actually sophisticated works of cast-iron art. A fascinating element of New York's streetscape, these decorative covers are an inspiring reflection of the creativity and attention of the foundries themselves and, sadly, a dwindling relic of New York's architectural history. Historians, design professionals, antiques collectors, and sightseers will find this an inspiring glimpse into a form of artwork nearly lost to urban renewal, and encouragement for the reintroduction of such innovative designs in civic planning.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Green Editorial; 1st edition (February 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585746398
• ISBN-13: 978-1585746392
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,085,455 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nicely done, but not original., July 4, 2008

By 

dahongdou (califaz) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Designs Underfoot: The Art of Manhole Covers in New York City (Hardcover)

"Overlooked for two centuries.."? This book actually retreads (excuse the pun) the beautiful work of the Melnicks in "Manhole Covers of Los Angeles" (1974), and their massive study "Manhole Covers" (1994). Their meticulous technique, and the excellent accompanying text bring the significance of these artifacts into sharp focus. (sorry, they just keep coming!)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide to NYC manhole covers, January 3, 2011

By 

Kevin Schlottmann (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Designs Underfoot: The Art of Manhole Covers in New York City (Hardcover)

Stuart's guide to New York City manhole covers provides an overview of the wonders beneath our feet. A short descriptive paragraph accompanies each photograph (nicely printed in B&W). The address of each manhole cover is provided, a key piece of information for those who would like to see these little cast-iron pieces of history in person. A short introduction and a thorough bibliography are a nice bonus in this lovely book.