Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia of New York City

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Another reviewer said it best: Every New Yorker ought to own this book. It is huge, and chocked full of obscure facts about literally every facet of New York life. Sure, we all know who Bronck was, and working my way through Gotham, I learned about the Delancey family. But here, looking up the old neighborhood, I was able to find out how streets got their names, and so much more.

Want to know who won Mayoral elections? Look here. Want to know which newspapers were published and when? Again, look here. Searching one entry will guarantee that two or three or ten others will pop into mind. It is great for specific knowledge and for just browsing.

Not even the most knowledgeable New Yorker could read through this book and not learn some things. A wonderful reference work.

If you are a student of New York City or among the millions who love it, Kenneth Jackson's mammoth Encyclopedia is indispensible. I began using it as a reference book for my novel, The Five Points. Before I knew it, I was reading it from cover to cover. What a ride! What an achievement! While loaded with gorgeous illustrations, this is no coffee table book. This is a fact-filled guide to assist the serious student and amorous admirer through the intricacies of the greatest city on Earth. And unlike most books about New York City, this encyclopedia actually covers the other four boroughs, not just Manhattan! The enormous effort that went into this book will be gratefully acknowledged by anyone who reads it.

This tome, as I like to think of it, is spectacular in it's scope. It covers everything from hospitals that have long since closed, to details about the city's aqueduct water transportation system. You usually go to the book, in order to look up a specific piece of information, but spend hours perusing entries you never heard of and discovering things about America's largest city that make you gasp. If you live in New York, get this book. It holds an essential place on any New Yorker's bookshelf.

Just make sure you have plenty spare time when you pick this volume up. It is so addictive - you look something up, then something else catches your eye and before you know it two hours have passed.
I love New York and this book has definately increased my pleasure and knowledge of the city.

This is the ESSENTIAL book for every New Yorker interested in learning about and understanding this complicated city. Two years after receiving the Encyclopedia, it remains among my favorite New York books.

I've only had a copy for 2 weeks and I'm struggling to do anything but read it. There is so much information, almost all of which is fresh to me. I find myself reading about something and another ten topics pop into my mind, but this is not a worry cause all of the answers are in the book. Tremendous

Looking for very old maps of the Big City, the Mayoral and Presidential elections, Capsules of about every neighborhood in all 5 boroughs, histories of Broadway, Wall Street, MidTown, Columbia and NYU, the New School, and every other educational institution. Music from Classical to Jazz to Pop to Rock (but there is no listing for Sinatra! I think there should be.)How about the incredible skyscapers, docks, restaurants, clubs. And all this goes back to 1624, when the Dutch first settled. And sections on about every leading NYC personality ever. (though for some reason Mantle and Dimaggio are not listed separately, amoung many other famous NYC sports stars ). Even though the book is 10 years old, it is about as timeless as you can get, even with my very few small quibles mentioned!

The book is an absolute must for every NYC lover interested in history. Allthough leaning a little bit to Columbia University (alumnis, etc.) it covers almost everything you want to now about NYC. Including things you never thought about. In addition the book tells you a lot about business in NY, it's ethics (if there are any)and how business was/is done here. You'll find a lot about the people of NY, their ambitions, ideas and ideals. If you love NY you'll love the book!

This is a great reference book to keep around. Great gift idea to New Yorkers who think they know everything about this great city.

I live far away from NYC, but i love it as my home city. Now when i purchased this book i feel more like a true new yorker. i love it...i t has a lot of information and everyone interested in NYC has to have this book.