City Secrets: New York City (Turtleback)

~ Robert Kahn (Author) "Not exactly a "city secret" this, but a visit to Ellis Island is so rewarding that it should not be missed by anyone curious about..." (more)
Key Phrases: marionette theater, New York, Fifth Avenue, Hudson River (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This guide draws on the knowledge and familiarity of its resident author, naturally a New York expert. Highlights include the quintessential Village bookstore, vintage saloons, a cinematic tour of Brooklyn, a celebrity deli, and a Hasidic dairy bar above the city’s most famous diamond exchange. Also revealed are New York’s best-kept secrets, from a dockside fish restaurant where the famous rub elbows with fishermen, to the American Museum of Natural History as seen through the eyes of Holden Caulfield. Contributions from Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Cunningham, neurologist Oliver Sacks, journalist Anna Quindlen, folksinger Pete Seeger, and dozens of other luminaries are also included. Beautiful comprehensive maps keyed to entries, a subtle "nonguidebook" look, and two ribbon markers make this a unique traveler's companion.

Product Details

• Turtleback: 586 pages
• Publisher: Little Bookroom (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892145081
• ISBN-13: 978-1892145086
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 3.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #123,213 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #48 in	Books > Travel > United States > Regions > Northeast > New England
  #51 in	Books > Travel > United States > States > New York > New York City
  #79 in	Books > Travel > Reference & Tips > Tourist Destinations & Museums

• This item is part of The City Secrets Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even as a resident, there are some things I never knew about, January 15, 2003

By	rkchin (new york city) - See all my reviews

In the rapidly changing face of New York City fast becoming another strip mall full of chain shops and uniformity, it is refreshing to note that yes, real New York still exists--those unappreciated, and undervalued landmarks, shops, and restaurants that truly define NYC. Famous luminaries living in the city--architects, artists, curators, and gourmets--guide you to those hidden gems through witty, and informative stories on the cultural, and historical significance of each place. Entries are organized by neighborhood, and comes complete with addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, and directions. City Secrets is a must for saavy travelers, and residents alike--there are many things here I never knew about. rkchin

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A joy to read!, October 22, 2002

By A Customer

As a seasoned New Yorker (20 years and counting), I am not easily impressed by guide books. "Secrets" cannot be judged alongside the patronizing, cliche-ridden rest of the pack. I found myself alternately nodding and grinning (at the secret places I'd already discovered) and rushing out the door (to uncover the ones I hadn't). Finally a book that appeals equally to both the First Time visitor and the Veteran New Yorker. Smartly written, funny and insightful. Think you've seen it all in New York? Think again!

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This belongs on the book shelf of every lover of NYC, January 9, 2003

By	Dom Miliano (Denville, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have observed an odd phenomenon. Despite it's age and crushing population, visitors, residents and even self-styled experts on NYC are always exploring and claiming to have made "discoveries" or unearthed amazing secrets. This book is another example of a book that proves the point. I am happy to report that the author (editor, really) has crafted a book that really has nuggets of knowledge that most readers will find new, interesting or both. Its facts are arranged logically and the writing conveys the passion one feels when exploring an exciting place such as NYC. Without the passion, the book would only be a book of lists. And, because the author has asked his friends to write only about things that they love, each short "secret" narrative is alive with personal insights and opinions - I like that. If you have read this far, I bet you will like the book as well.