Chronicles of Old New York: Exploring Manhattan’s Landmark Neighborhoods

by James Roman

Did you know that Central Park was built on Seneca Village, a community of modest farms, also known as a safe haven for runaway slaves? Did you know Washington Square Park used to be a potter’s field? Author James Roman, a native New Yorker, brings to this guide an intimate knowledge and love of New York’s neighborhoods and the quirks of history that have helped shape the city. Discover 400 years of innovation through the true stories of the visionaries, risk-takers, dreamers, and schemers such as John Jacob Astor, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Stanford White, Gertrude Whitney and more with historical photographs and period maps. This second edition includes a new Broadway chapter and completely updated walking tours. A Must Read for anyone who loves New York City.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, New York, Travel, Ebooks

308 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

As a writer based in Los Angeles, Mr. Roman contributes regularly to publications that document emerging technology, but readers may also spot him on re-runs of the HBO television series "Six Feet Under," a break he attributes more to luck than to acumen.

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Friday night, my friend and I head over to our favorite pub on Manhattan's Lower East Side to talk about sports, finance, travel and women (not necessarily in that order). On occasion, as avid readers, we'll also talk books. One night he mentioned that he had started taking self-guided walking tours of Manhattan that he found in the back of a book called Chronicles of Old New York.

I really enjoyed a guided haunted walking tour in New Orleans (if you get a chance, do it!) and that in combination with is enthusiasm for the book, made me download it the next day.

I've lived in New York for all but he first six months of my life and have worked in Soho for the last 15 years. However, after reading Chronicles of Old New York: Exploring Manhattan's Landmark Neighborhoods, I realized that I didn't know nuthin'. Although I'm a country mouse by nature, I've always loved "The City." There's just a buzz of energy coursing through her streets. After reading Chronicles of Old New York, now I know where that energy comes from.

Author James Romans prologue best sums it up:
"Cities aren't built from bricks and steel alone. It takes dreamers and schemers, visionaries and risk-takers. For four centuries these adventurous spirits have been drawn to New York City, each leaving a mark that can still be seen today. The history of Manhattan is written in its streets; here's where to find it."

For me, reading the Chronicles of Old New York was like first being smitten by a mysterious, beautiful woman, then, as you get to know her, finding out that she has some many more interesting things about her. Roman takes you through the city's most famous neighborhoods: Wall Street, The Village, Soho, Chelsea, Gramercy Park and Harlem and the characters that built and shaped their history.

Often, I think tourists miss out when they visit New York. They wind up visiting Times Square, Macy's, the Empire State Building or the Bull at Wall Street. Sure, visit those places, but if you read this book before you come for your visit, you'll get so much more out of your trip and you'll find yourself wandering off the crowded, beaten tourist paths for a more unique, insightful experience.

And, as a native New Yorker, if you read this book you'll get a new perspective on the streets and buildings you hustle past every day. You might even briefly pause and go, hmmmm.

As mentioned, the back of the book contains a series of nine self-guided walking tours with special notes and maps that walk you through the history of each of he neighborhoods and landmarks. I'm looking forward to do these in the fall.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this would be a very useful guide for tourists. There are interesting historical tidbits about some of the oldest areas of Manhattan, and I learned a lot even though I am not a tourist. It ignores my neighborhood, but that's fine with me, since I would hate to be visited by walking tours, but the walking tours that are provided should be more than enough to satisfy visitors to New York. There are a lot of pictures which probably enhance the book a lot if you are not reading an ebook.

I had two small quibbles. First, the author might want to add a Times Square tour in the next edition. It's the most popular tourist attraction, and tourists might benefit from being guided to spots that are more significant than the ubiquitous chain stores found in the area. Second, I am not a history buff, but I used to pass Federal Hall every day on my way to work so I know that the current Federal Hall did not exist when Washington was inaugurated as the author implies. Washington's inaugural spot was torn down and replaced with the current building.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jessica Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! Chronicles of Old New York tells of the architecture of New York City and the people and intrigue behind the building of the edifices and neighborhoods. It includes 9 walking tours. I don't think I've seen a more beautiful book about New York City.

[John Behle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my steady companion for 5 days as I walked Manhattan in May 2019. James Roman writes in a breezy, you-are-there style that suits me. I matched up several stories from the book as I trekked the charming neighborhoods of New York.

Favorite chapters by far was the stories on Greenwich Village and The Beat Generation. Most of the sites from those halcyon 1950's and '60's love filled days are still there, still elfin and generating new stories. Just bring your bongo drums and snap your fingers rather than clapping your hands.

[Jokull Torfason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I bought mine while I was staying in new york and read it before I went to sleep, every morning I couldn't wait to see what I had just read the day before. This book gives you a great insight to NY both for the past and the present. I would recommend it for everyone, it doesn't matter if you've never been to NY, are staying there, gone back home or live there.

[Ann L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on the history of New York and how New York was formed and came about with its cool architectural designs and people involved in the making of it. It has some tour guides you can actually use and go on if you travel to New York to see the sights or famous homes of the people involved in shaping New York.

[Megz · Rating 3 out of 5]

New York City is one of my favourite cities in the world. I dreamed of visiting it since I was eleven years old, then finally traveled there in 2010 – and since then, I have been twice more.

I’m not an expert on the city by any means, so I love the idea of learning more about its history. I love NYC and I love history, so it should be an all-round win, right?

Well, sort-of-right.

I am really bad at geography. And city-planning, city development… that stuff is kinda geography enmeshed in history. So some of it just really did not interest me.

Also, I have been to NYC three times. ONLY three times. So in a way, a lot of the things written about didn’t make sense to me because I couldn’t really remember them.

The sections about Central Park, Turtle Bay, the High Line, Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue and Greenwich Village… those really fascinated me because I have been there, so it was easy to understand.

I’ve only ever seen Harlem in passing on a train, so that was a bit less concrete for me. Although, I have no decided that next time I go the New York I WILL be taking a trip to Harlem.

I love the layout of the book. I love that there are maps, and that the map includes places still in existence, and those long gone.

I think this book will be best read over some time, rather than in a single sitting (the latter is how I tend to read my review-books). Even better: taking the book along to a trip to New York. There are some really good-looking walking tours in the back of the book which I fully intend to do next time I visit.

The writing isn’t mind-blowing. It gets a little bit wordy – imagine reading a travel guide, it’s kind of that tone.

But otherwise, I fully intend to buy this book. I think it will make a great gift for a New York-ophile (is that a thing? Like Francophile?), or someone who dreams of traveling but can’t yet. Or, you know, a gift to yourself!

Disclaimer: I received a free eARC via NetGalley and Museyon Inc in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully entertaining and informative guide to New York. None of those boring lists of hotels and restaurants, but packed full of interesting historical and architectural detail. Definitely my sort of guide book. Good selection of photos and maps, and some very tempting walking tours included. Perfect for both visitor and armchair traveller.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, one of the simplest book about Manhattan and how it was built and its history, breaking it down by each neighborhood. Definitely a must especially if you live in Manhattan-you'll see it in a different light with appreciation!

[Michael Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you wish to learn more about New York City, this is a great little book. It describes history, geography, people, etc., in Manhattan’s landmark neighborhoods. A wonderful read for those who want to know more.

[Ginny Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love you, NYC. Forever and ever, amen.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book as I was traveling to NYC for a long weekend. It was the perfect time to read it! Lots of very interesting history about many of the neighborhoods in the southern part of Manhattan. It really enhanced my visit to NY, although I did not have enough time to use any of the specific walking guides that are included. Highly recommend for visitors to Manhattan.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great guide to the history of the landmarks and neighborhoods of New York City. It is a fascinating record of the famous people who designed and developed its various neighborhoods and parks. It is a great resource guide if you are planning a trip or even if you are interested in the growth and development of a great city from the 1700s forward.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting tidbits and anecdotes in here about New York, past and present. Though take it all with a grain of salt, as the Reader's Digest-style condensed format often requires omitting contextualizing information. Overall, an enjoyable read.

[Katie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book had just a bit more, but it's already nearing 300 pages. Therefore, I wish the author had decided between history and tourism. Each chapter was just a taste, and they were a bit detached from another.

[Eileen Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

New York City is a city of neighborhoods. This guide is for you if you’re interested in knowing the history, the specific landmarks and how to walk several of these sections of Manhattan. James Roman chooses specific areas and entertains the reader throughout.

[Ollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains interesting stories on the history of NYC.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging tour of the city’s history. It was a great read to encourage and inspire my wanderlust after almost a year of staying home.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading light history, that is to say books that are not heaping textbook-like tomes, but books that present facts in neat and not overwhelming ways. And I guess that potentially makes me a product of the edutainment generation, but nobody ever talked smack about the Animaniacs (at least not anyone I would want to know).

Chronicles of Old New York is essentially a historical guide to the city, and (unbeknownst to me at the time I bought it) also contains walking tours - which I didn't read. I know it says it right there on the cover. I actually bought it for my Kindle during one of Amazon's sales, and it was only $1.99! So I can't and don't feel the need to complain.

60% of the book that isn't walking tours I can't go on gets four stars.

For instance, there was a lot of interesting information that I'd never known about New York. I can't say I know a lot amount about New York generally, so I can't comment on whether or not someone from New York, or even an American would find anything new here. Either way, here's an example of what I found interesting.

Although it is estimated that twenty-five thousand bodies were decomposing beneath it, the city fathers selected Washington Square as a place to install the large well from which all Fifth Avenue residents would acquire their water. Even more amazing, these neighbors praised the water for its "clarity and softness."

So yeah, that happened.

The author, James Roman, did a great job in putting the whole thing together in a way where it didn't feel like a bunch of bullet points, and I read most of it in short bursts when doing things like eating breakfast or playing tug of war with my dog, who god forbid would let me have five minutes of peace to read a book once in a while.

[Nina Leung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and written in an easy manner.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chronicles of Old New York provides an interesting look at the history of Manhattan. Told through a series of vignettes about various neighborhoods, the book provides a brief overview of the city's history from the Revolutionary War era up to the 21st Century. Also included are numerous photos of various sites discussed in the stories, as well as historical drawings and paintings, which are particularly helpful in understanding the changes in architectural styles over the years. Towards the end of the book, the author also provides curated walking tours of neighborhoods discussed at length earlier.

If you are interested in New York City history, but don't have the time for an in-depth exploration, I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

Thank you to Museyon and Netgalley for providing an e-ARC of the latest edition for review!

[Big Time Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having visited New York a few times for work but never having enough time to really explore, I enjoyed this book. There is a lot of very good, little known (I'd think) information about many neighborhoods. The stories and people behind buildings and communities fascinate me and this is probably why I wished I lived near enough to check out what I was reading about.

This would be a great book to have on hand during a visit to the city or if you lived nearby. Definitely check it out.

Thank you to Mr. Roman, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is dryer than its counterpart, Chronicles of Old Paris. The writing is more encyclopedic, less riveting. It would seem that much more interesting (funny, unusual, or surprising) stories about the developing New York could be found to be told--and not just rehashed stories about old dead guys who we don't need to revere so much just because they made a lot of money. Yawn.

[Heather Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of exciting, dramatic stories from Manhattan history and beautifully illustrated with images from the city's archives. It hits all the big guys (Vanderbilt, Astor, Trump) but still offered this New Yorker plenty of exciting stories I'd never heard before!

The walking tours have tons of photos (both old and new) and are a great way to rediscover the city whether you're a local, a tourist or just dreaming along.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable history of New York told through its real estate. It is not comprehensive, but it is interesting. Especially noteworthy is the explanation of the rise of apartment living. I had previously thought it was solely a function of lack of space, but Mr. Roman reveals other factors. I've lived in the New York City area my whole life. This isn't really a guide book for a casual tourist, but great for student of Gotham history.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love learning more about the city I love... as I read the walking tours at the end of the book, I realized that I'd walked or taken buss tours through most of these historic neighborhoods. Only one I've missed is Harlem, which is hard to believe because I do so love the music that came out of the Harlem Renaissance!

[Stacey Bookerworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful book for anyone wanting to visit New York. Full of interesting historical tidbits such as as the man who kept a bear on his Broadway property. This book also contains a very concise and well planned out walking tour guide at the end of the book for those who are not interested in the historical anecdotes available elsewhere in the book.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I wish I had when visiting NYC. A few trips and I found when reading the book I had taken some parts of the walks but missed much. Very interesting, review of financial corruption of NYC also. Excellent pictures of then and now.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good - I loved the illustrations but the background info itself was only somewhat interesting (I wanted to fact check a couple of things). The look of the book was its strongest attribute, though I didn't actually take the walking tours- which might have been interesting.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is easy and quick to read. There is a brief history of how certain neighborhoods came to be settled and by whom. There are 9 walking tours to see different museums and historic homes. I can't wait to go on some of the walking tours!