Jones Beach: An Illustrated History [Hardcover]

John Hanc (Author), Ed Lowe (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0762740248 | ISBN-13: 978-0762740246 | Publication Date: April 1, 2007 | Edition: 1st

Jones Beach opened inauspiciously amidst a howling sandstorm on August 4, 1929. In the years since, it has attracted 500 million visitors and become hallowed ground to generations of New Yorkers. Today Jones Beach evokes cherished memories of long-spent youth, old friends, and departed loved ones. In this evocative illustrated book, author John Hanc explores the traditions, institutions, controversies, and characters of this beloved seaside resort, now a state historic landmark.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Any citizen of New York will be proud to have this book in their collection."  —Donald J. Trump

 

“A delightful read, a nostalgic, absorbing trip back in time to the origins and the halcyon days of a treasured New York institution.”  —Kevin Baker, author of Dreamland and Paradise Alley

 

"This is local history at its best. John Hanc’s lively, absorbing narrative is both nostalgic and sophisticated."   —Barnet Schecter, author of The Battle for New York and The Devil’s Own Work

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Jones Beach opened inauspiciously amidst a howling sandstorm on August 4, 1929. In the years since, it has attracted 500 million visitors and become hallowed ground to generations of New Yorkers. Today Jones Beach evokes cherished memories of long-spent youth, old friends, and departed loved ones. In this evocative illustrated book, author John Hanc explores the traditions, institutions, controversies, and characters of this beloved seaside resort, now a state historic landmark. Vintage photos show buildings rising, parking lots filling, and generations of beachgoers having a good time.

Going all the way back to the British Empire days of pirate Thomas Jones, for whom the beach is named, John Hanc tells the stories of those who have shaped Jones Beach into a cultural icon - including Robert Moses, who promised to provide a refuge to the "teeming masses" from America's great city; a young Ronald Reagan, who starred in a Hollywood depiction of Jones Beach; and beloved entertainer Guy Lombardo, who revived Jones Beach Theater and created famously elaborate shows.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Globe Pequot; 1st edition (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762740248
• ISBN-13: 978-0762740246
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #995,679 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:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK!!!!!!!!!, July 4, 2007

By 

M. Brull (Dryden, New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jones Beach: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

I gave the book to my husband for Father's Day. We both grew up on Long Island and Jones Beach is a part of our past. The book is the greatest, complete with history, old photos of the past. I recommend it to anyone who wants to bring a piece of their past, into the present.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not bad... but..., September 13, 2009

By 

Ed G. (Long Beach NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jones Beach: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

An interesting book to read but obviously written by somebody who simply turns out books on various subjects. No passion for the subject matter here nor deep research. Plenty of factual mistakes along with cheezy Chinese printing and binding.

Look for this as a ebay closeout for $7.00. At that price, it's worth reading.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book, June 22, 2009

By 

Joseph Oppenheim (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jones Beach: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

"Jones Beach: An Illustrated History", is a wonderful book for anyone who has ever loved Jones Beach, or even for someone who wants to just look at a piece of New York and Long Island history.

Although the many photographs are worthwhile all on their own, the text enhances them, for instance, the rich pirate history behind the name, 'Jones'.