A History Lover's Guide to New York City

by Alison Fortier

New York is a city of superlatives. It has the largest population, greatest wealth, broadest diversity and most elegant museums in the nation. With that comes an amazing history.
This tour of the Big Apple goes beyond the traditional guidebook to offer visitors and residents alike a chance to walk back in time along the streets of Manhattan. George Washington took his first oath of office on the steps of Federal Hall. Visitors can still dine at the famed Fraunces Tavern and worship at historic St. Paul's Chapel. From the Brooklyn Bridge to stunning skyscrapers, the city celebrates its own history and that of the nation. Join author Alison Fortier as she traces the history and heritage of America's largest metropolis.

Genres: History, Travel, Nonfiction, New York, Reference, The United States Of America

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[shrootp · Rating 3 out of 5]

good for a quick overview of NYC

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book. Sheesh, there’s a lot of great information here but not much detail into the subjects. It’s a good overview of the topic but there are quite a few missed opportunities to delve deeper into the subject. For example, detailed info about the minerva statue in Herald Square, no mention of the owls sculptures atop the statue or scattered throughout the park and WHY the owls are present to begin with. (Which is one of the kookiest and interesting stories i’ve ever heard about NYC) Several times, former mayor LaGuardia is referred to as both “Fiorella” and “Fiorello” LaGuardia which is just a shame. If you’re looking for just a quick and dirty, sometimes detailed, often times not history book- this book is for you. Much of the time as I read it, it felt like I was having brunch with a friend who just wanted to chat about history: the info is arranged by topic instead of geographically or chronologically. that’s pretty cool. Other books sort of start in lower manhattan and make their way north so this book being grouped by topic (recreation, religion, arts etc...) was very refreshing.

[Amy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title in parenthesis (History & Guide) does sum this up. The history of NYC is given from many angles across several chapters. After a chapter gives you a concise history of a particular aspect of the city, it then gives you information, including addresses and websites, about some of the place related to that part of history. This is not a book to use if you are looking for neighborhoods or sections of NYC and what to do in each unless you are will to search across many chapters. But, I would recommend reading this before going to NYC. It will enhance your trip and give you ideas for some places that are not as well-known. I read this over a long period of time. For me, it was something to pick up and read when I was looking for something different. It doesn't have to be read all at once - unless of course, you plan to visit NYC soon!

[Al Lock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to use for a visit to New York City. It gives a large listing of various places of interest, a quick summary of their historical interest and some details regarding where they are, and how to visit them. It includes not just locations of historical interest, such as museums, but also events (typically annual events). It is not a complete listing, but it is one of the more complete that I have seen.

The biggest irritant in the book is the constant inconsistency in the capitalization of names. Sometimes names are properly capitalized, often they are not. This may seem like a minor point, but it makes a big impact in understanding the text, forcing the reader to reread to determine what the author is referring to.

[Margo Allore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book when I left NYC on the Metro North line to Pookeepsie after being one week in NYC. I enjoyed it and it was good that I was familiar with some of the places in the book. What I like is that it started with the history of NYC. Each chapter had a theme and a history and locations to see related to the theme of the chapter. For example, Skyscrapers. Glad I purchased it and will take it with me on a future trip to NYC.

[Virginia B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good uncovering of well-known and not-so-well -known places in the city especially for somebody who is familiar with it, or at least has read a lot of books that take place there. Interesting
to know more details about, say, Carnegie Hall, where Broadway got it’s name, how the Dakota came to be. I read the Kindle edition, and could click easily to lots of pictures and information.

[Ginger Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written

This was a great supplement to my NYC research. A very concise and well organized history. As a lover of architecture I found this to be very helpful for my upcoming visit.

[Jeff Laporta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting historical notes and back story of the naming of important NYC areas and buildings. A well presented historical and cultural exploration of NYC, its current offerings and their origin of development.

[Randolph Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

New York, New York - What A Hell of a Town

I spent the first thirty years of my life in Greatest City in the World. Unfortunately, I only saw a very small portion of all the attractions discussed in this book but now I know the places I want to visit on my next trip to NYC.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear and concise look at NYC history & tourist guide

Really appreciate being able to marry my love of history with trip planning a visit to New York City. I highly recommend this guide and others like it to history buffs.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Very interesting book. Gives alot of detailed information before giving the list of sites. Adding information to assist you before traveling. And good book for an armchair traveler

[Bekah O'Linger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wouldn't recommend anyone listen to the audiobook version, as a good chunk of it is recommendations including websites and locations. If you're planning a trip though, it's a great resource.

[L B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. The Kindle edition has a lot of issues, hence the downgrade to 4 stars.

[Minister Jane Trivigno · Rating 4 out of 5]

a decent but brief guide on different eras of nyc history and how they are represented with historical locations to visit.

[Carol King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for planning a visit

I bought this book in anticipation of a visit to NYC. It gave me more background on places and some good suggestions for things to visit outside the tourist spots (although it has info on plenty of those too).