Historic New York: Architectural Journeys in the Empire State [Hardcover]

Andy Olenick (Photographer), Richard O. Reisem (Collaborator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2006

More than five years in the making, this photographic tour de force covers four centuries of landmark architecture in the Empire State. From Hudson Valley mansions and New York skyscrapers to Adirondack Great Camps and Erie Canal cobblestone structures, this handsome volume explores the state s distinctive and diverse buildings and landscapes. The 224-page coffee-table book was photographed by Andy Olenick and written by Richard O. Reisem.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Andy Olenick is a professional photographer and his studio, Fotowerks, Ltd., is located in Rochester. Since graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology, he has been fulfilling assignments nationally in commercial magazines, corporate, and industrial photography including illustration, annual reports, advertising, and architecture. He is best know for his books documenting New York's architectural heritage. Richard Reisem has written eleven books since retiring from Eastman Kodak Company's Communications and Public Affairs Division in 1986. He graduated from Iowa State University with major studies in architecture, history and journalism. His 31-year career at Eastman Kodak Company included speechwriting for six of the company's CEOs. His previous books include 200 Years of Rochester Architecture and Gardens, Classic Buffalo and Erie Canal Legacy.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Landmark Society of Western New York; 1st Edition edition (October 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976391023
• ISBN-13: 978-0976391029
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,770,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Overview of Historic Architecture in New York, November 7, 2006

By 

Brad VanAuken (Honeoye Falls, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Historic New York: Architectural Journeys in the Empire State (Hardcover)

This book features beautiful interior and exterior photographs of notable architecture from throughout the state. It includes a nice mix of architects, periods, styles and public and private buildings. Expected buildings such as Grand Central Station, New York Public Library and the Chrysler building in Manhattan are featured along with historic homes from throughout the state, Adirondack Great Camps and university and government buildings. Regions from Long Island, the Hudson River Valley and the Capital District to the Finger Lakes, the Thousand Islands and the Niagara Frontier are featured. It highlights Utica's Stanley Theater, Rochester's City Hall and Union College's Nott Memorial. It even includes a houseboat and a Seneca Indian longhouse. The newest building featured may be the Bard College Performing Arts Center designed by Frank Gehry. These beautiful photographs are accompanied by informative and interesting text. The book provides a great overview of the architectural richness and diversity of New York State. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is interested in New York State architecture.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, January 9, 2007

By 

Mathew W. Moran "matt moran" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Historic New York: Architectural Journeys in the Empire State (Hardcover)

BOOK REVIEW

Historic New York: Architectural Journeys in the Empire State

Andy Olenick and Richard Reisem have done themselves proud in this spectacular new book detailing some of New York's most prestigious landmarks. Over three hundred color photographs along with informative text provide plenty of inspiration for New York sightseers and history buffs.

There's something here for everyone as the book covers famous structures like the Chysler Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. It also offers detailed spreads of some of the former dwelling places of famous New Yorkers like Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, and Susan B. Anthony. But perhaps most interesting are the more little-known treasures: places like abolitionist John Brown's home in North Elba, or the Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park.

The book is divided into eleven regions throughout the state - Long Island, New York City, Hudson River Valley, Capital District, Adirondacks, Mohawk River Valley, Thousand Islands, Finger Lakes, Western Erie Canal, Southern Tier, and Niagara Frontier. Local readers will be happy to learn that several Utica landmarks are prominently displayed including the Stanley Theatre, Fountain Elms, and Union Station. Shots of nearby Hyde Hall and the Oneida Mansion are also included.

Those who wish to venture out of Central New York will also find much for their imagination. Olenick's superb photography is enough to make anyone pack up for a daytrip and the accompanying text by Richard Reisem is both elegant and educational.