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The Building Of Manhattan
A brilliantly illustrated and informative history of the building of Manhattan. Hundreds of superb and carefully researched line drawings.
150 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 19, 2017
This is an endlessly fascinating book, even if you don't feel anything special toward Manhattan. Starting with the formation of the island itself, billions and billions of years ago, we then get a chronological history, from the Manhattan Indians to the New Amsterdam Dutch to the New York English. It's simply amazing what they've all managed to fit onto such a slight sliver of land.
Manhattan stayed fairly pastoral until the mid-19th Century when the boom started and hasn't stopped yet. After the overall history is finished, Mackay then goes into detail showing how the famous skyscrapers have been built. It is this section that had me shaking my head in wonder. Test borings, drilling rock, foundation laying, "bull's liver"...on and on it goes through each part of the building. I simply had no idea. Plus, there is an entire section on what each worker does, all managed by very specific unions and trades.
I admit I have always been one of those folks who walk along the sidewalks and then amble over to peer through the viewing slats so I can see what is taking place. Now I will be a little more knowledgeable and a little more respectful.
Book Season = Year Round (be a part of it)
Manhattan stayed fairly pastoral until the mid-19th Century when the boom started and hasn't stopped yet. After the overall history is finished, Mackay then goes into detail showing how the famous skyscrapers have been built. It is this section that had me shaking my head in wonder. Test borings, drilling rock, foundation laying, "bull's liver"...on and on it goes through each part of the building. I simply had no idea. Plus, there is an entire section on what each worker does, all managed by very specific unions and trades.
I admit I have always been one of those folks who walk along the sidewalks and then amble over to peer through the viewing slats so I can see what is taking place. Now I will be a little more knowledgeable and a little more respectful.
Book Season = Year Round (be a part of it)
July 25, 2021
A children’s picture book for adults.
December 28, 2016
Absolutely fascinating - for those interested in architecture, construction, ironworking, and/or the history of NYC, especially Manhattan, this is perfect. All the references to the World Trade Center were tough; I still have a hard time flying into the island and not seeing the twin towers, like so many others do.
Fantastic sketches and maps. Obviously the details on population and use are quite dated, but the historical aspect is timeless.
Fantastic sketches and maps. Obviously the details on population and use are quite dated, but the historical aspect is timeless.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews