The Unfinished City: New York and the Metropolitan Idea

by Thomas Bender

Essays trace the history of New York City, exploring its culture and development over the past two hundred years.

Genres: New York

287 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight to the urban history behind New York City.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up during my 'if it says New York on it, in it or near it, I'll read it' phase. It was a bit too 'academic' for me at the time. Meaning I didn't know a lot of the people who were integral parts of NYC history and that they composed a lot of the 'meat' of the essays within it left me feeling like a remedial student in an A.P. class. All in all, though, it was very informative. Probably better suited for a college urban studies class' 'required reading' list.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bit of urban history, complex and insightful.

[Patricia Perlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrated cultural history well worth reading.