What do you think?
Rate this book
Grand Central: How a Train Station Transformed America
A rich, illustrated - and entertaining -- history of the iconic Grand Central Terminal, from one of New York City's favorite writers, just in time to celebrate the train station's 100th fabulous anniversary.
In the winter of 1913, Grand Central Station was officially opened and immediately became one of the most beautiful and recognizable Manhattan landmarks. In this celebration of the one hundred year old terminal, Sam Roberts of The New York Times looks back at Grand Central's conception, amazing history, and the far-reaching cultural effects of the station that continues to amaze tourists and shuttle busy commuters.
Along the way, Roberts will explore how the Manhattan transit hub truly foreshadowed the evolution of suburban expansion in the country, and fostered the nation's westward expansion and growth via the railroad.
Featuring quirky anecdotes and behind-the-scenes information, this book will allow readers to peek into the secret and unseen areas of Grand Central -- from the tunnels, to the command center, to the hidden passageways.
With stories about everything from the famous movies that have used Grand Central as a location to the celestial ceiling in the main lobby (including its stunning mistake) to the homeless denizens who reside in the building's catacombs, this is a fascinating and, exciting look at a true American institution.
In the winter of 1913, Grand Central Station was officially opened and immediately became one of the most beautiful and recognizable Manhattan landmarks. In this celebration of the one hundred year old terminal, Sam Roberts of The New York Times looks back at Grand Central's conception, amazing history, and the far-reaching cultural effects of the station that continues to amaze tourists and shuttle busy commuters.
Along the way, Roberts will explore how the Manhattan transit hub truly foreshadowed the evolution of suburban expansion in the country, and fostered the nation's westward expansion and growth via the railroad.
Featuring quirky anecdotes and behind-the-scenes information, this book will allow readers to peek into the secret and unseen areas of Grand Central -- from the tunnels, to the command center, to the hidden passageways.
With stories about everything from the famous movies that have used Grand Central as a location to the celestial ceiling in the main lobby (including its stunning mistake) to the homeless denizens who reside in the building's catacombs, this is a fascinating and, exciting look at a true American institution.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2013
72 people are currently reading
1645 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 19, 2019
"Got my work clothes on for love, sweat and dirt
All this holy dust upon my face an' shirt
Headin' uptown now, just as the shifts are changin'
To Grand Central Station" -Mary Chapin Carpenter
I always loved to walk into the historic Grand Central Station on 42nd and Park Avenue. You can feel the history and the busy intoxicating excitement of NYC in there. We have the former first lady Jackie Kennedy and others to thank for securing its landmark status. This book celebrates the historical legacy of the world's largest train station both as a great engineering feat and for its architectural beauty both inside and out. I learned a lot about the GCT from this fascinating book and I commend the author for doing his research. Who knew the station had 48- acre basements!? I learned that almost a million people use the station every day and if you want to play tennis while waiting for your train, check out the Vanderbilt Tennis club on the 4th floor. If you enjoy studying the history of one of America's greatest cities or love good transportation reads than I highly recommend this book.
All this holy dust upon my face an' shirt
Headin' uptown now, just as the shifts are changin'
To Grand Central Station" -Mary Chapin Carpenter
I always loved to walk into the historic Grand Central Station on 42nd and Park Avenue. You can feel the history and the busy intoxicating excitement of NYC in there. We have the former first lady Jackie Kennedy and others to thank for securing its landmark status. This book celebrates the historical legacy of the world's largest train station both as a great engineering feat and for its architectural beauty both inside and out. I learned a lot about the GCT from this fascinating book and I commend the author for doing his research. Who knew the station had 48- acre basements!? I learned that almost a million people use the station every day and if you want to play tennis while waiting for your train, check out the Vanderbilt Tennis club on the 4th floor. If you enjoy studying the history of one of America's greatest cities or love good transportation reads than I highly recommend this book.
October 9, 2023
Whenever someone, who has never been to New York City, asks me what's it like my standard response has always been the same: "Love it or hate it, it is the one place you should visit in your lifetime. There is nothing like it."
OR
To quote Truman Capote, not word for word, but close enough, "I walk down any other street, in any other place, and I get a few images running through my mind every minute. I walk down a street in NYC and I get a thousand images passing through my mind every minute."
Sam Roberts' biography, "Grand Central: How a Train Station Transformed America," is a comprehensive, engrossing, history of this famous terminal from it's very beginning when river boat mogul Cornelius Vanderbilt decided to become a railroad magnate and built the terminal, around the late 1800's, to just about present day, 2016, when an estimated one hundred million commuters pass through the terminal every year.
Back in the late 1970's when I was a frequent visitor to Manhattan's New York City Library's annex, down a few streets from the famous Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street Library, I would pass by the glorious Grand Central Terminal's main entrance at 42nd street, occasionally going in and marveling at its stunning, breathtaking design, at least 3 to 4 times a week.
It was just about this time that a few politicians and a state Supreme Court Judge came up with the brilliant idea to tear down this majestic engineering, architectural work of art. It is simply amazing what idiotic ideas, that almost become reality, can happen when a few politicians and a Judge a little too high on his own power can come up with. (a 1970's version of the current Republican Party)
Thankfully a few Preservations, most notably Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, intervened and saved the day. Since then the terminal has undergone a major restoration returning the terminal to its original glory, expanding it, and in my humble opinion making it more remarkable than ever. A city within a city.
The book is filled with amazing pictures and just in case you don't have time to read the book you might want to go to: www.grandcentralterminal.com/info/aud...
I highly recommend this book and like I said earlier, love it or hate it, one should visit NYC at least once in your lifetime. Grand Central Station would be a great place to start.
OR
To quote Truman Capote, not word for word, but close enough, "I walk down any other street, in any other place, and I get a few images running through my mind every minute. I walk down a street in NYC and I get a thousand images passing through my mind every minute."
Sam Roberts' biography, "Grand Central: How a Train Station Transformed America," is a comprehensive, engrossing, history of this famous terminal from it's very beginning when river boat mogul Cornelius Vanderbilt decided to become a railroad magnate and built the terminal, around the late 1800's, to just about present day, 2016, when an estimated one hundred million commuters pass through the terminal every year.
Back in the late 1970's when I was a frequent visitor to Manhattan's New York City Library's annex, down a few streets from the famous Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street Library, I would pass by the glorious Grand Central Terminal's main entrance at 42nd street, occasionally going in and marveling at its stunning, breathtaking design, at least 3 to 4 times a week.
It was just about this time that a few politicians and a state Supreme Court Judge came up with the brilliant idea to tear down this majestic engineering, architectural work of art. It is simply amazing what idiotic ideas, that almost become reality, can happen when a few politicians and a Judge a little too high on his own power can come up with. (a 1970's version of the current Republican Party)
Thankfully a few Preservations, most notably Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, intervened and saved the day. Since then the terminal has undergone a major restoration returning the terminal to its original glory, expanding it, and in my humble opinion making it more remarkable than ever. A city within a city.
The book is filled with amazing pictures and just in case you don't have time to read the book you might want to go to: www.grandcentralterminal.com/info/aud...
I highly recommend this book and like I said earlier, love it or hate it, one should visit NYC at least once in your lifetime. Grand Central Station would be a great place to start.
July 11, 2014
Grand Central: How a Train Station Transformed America charts the rise of train travel in this county and tells the story of how long distance train travel almost ceased to exist to due the rise of planes and automobiles. Today, trains play a pivotal role for commuters who travel to and from New York for work.
Lots of beautiful photos of Grand Central Station and the fact that the book is small and printed on expensive paper make this a book you may want to invest in for your library.
Roberts begins the narrative by discussing Cornelius Vanderbilt's desire to acquire all the train routes in the New York area and the change from moving goods up the Hudson on barges and boats to movement as train freight.
He also describes the various transformations of Grand Central Station itself and the change from steam to electric trains. He tells Grand Central's secrets and reveals the error with regard to the constellations painted on the ceiling. He tells the stories of some of the men and women who work and have worked there and talks about the how jobs as Pullman porters helped African-Americans organize politically and economically.
Another very interesting aspect of this book is the discussion of the United State Supreme Court Case that overturned an appeals court decision and gave Grand Central Station Landmark status. Jackie Kennedy and the architect Phillip Johnson are among many who worked to preserve Grand Central Station and keep it an amazing place to visit. I was in Grand Central Station in the early 1990's and felt very awed by a sense of the history of the place and all people who have passed through the halls and ridden the trains.
Lots of beautiful photos of Grand Central Station and the fact that the book is small and printed on expensive paper make this a book you may want to invest in for your library.
Roberts begins the narrative by discussing Cornelius Vanderbilt's desire to acquire all the train routes in the New York area and the change from moving goods up the Hudson on barges and boats to movement as train freight.
He also describes the various transformations of Grand Central Station itself and the change from steam to electric trains. He tells Grand Central's secrets and reveals the error with regard to the constellations painted on the ceiling. He tells the stories of some of the men and women who work and have worked there and talks about the how jobs as Pullman porters helped African-Americans organize politically and economically.
Another very interesting aspect of this book is the discussion of the United State Supreme Court Case that overturned an appeals court decision and gave Grand Central Station Landmark status. Jackie Kennedy and the architect Phillip Johnson are among many who worked to preserve Grand Central Station and keep it an amazing place to visit. I was in Grand Central Station in the early 1990's and felt very awed by a sense of the history of the place and all people who have passed through the halls and ridden the trains.
January 30, 2022
Such a great book. It made me remember all my grand, Grand Central memories. Most recently, the kids were dead tired, but I convinced them to get off the subway to look. In no time they were drawn in. I have the best photo of the youngest experiencing the ceiling. Grand Central is one of my favorite places and favorite sounds. I love all the background stories and history in this book.
February 21, 2021
Roberts weaves a wonderful tale about America's most famous train station.
December 13, 2013
From its inception, planners and architects intended Grand Central Terminal to become not merely a locus of commerce and industry on 42nd Street, but a testament both to the Beaux Arts ideal and to New York City as an emerging world center. Although Sam Roberts' Grand Central (written for the one hundredth anniversary of the Terminal's debut) is exhaustively researched, it's approachable enough for readers who don't happen to be up on their railroad barons. The book dwells extensively on the history of the New York Central and the New York and Harlem Railroads in the decades before the Terminal's construction, then takes readers through the building's glory days during the first half of the twentieth century. Chapters on its mid-century decline in fortunes, its salvation from destruction, and the renaissance of the the building during the last two decades give the narrative a satisfying arc and conclusion.
Roberts seems more interested in the social history of Grand Central Terminal rather than on its architecture; those searching for a more comprehensive account its builders and artists might be better served elsewhere. But in its chosen focus Grand Central offers up some interesting tidbits about how a single railroad terminal changed a nation—and even a the world—for good. When opened to the public, for example, the Terminal's unique use of sloping walkways led to the adaptation of the word 'ramp' in popular vocabulary—and the railroad system itself transformed the way the population synchronized and time zones.
Grand Central Terminal made a Midtown in Manhattan. This celebration of its glories—and its low points—makes for an engaging read.
Roberts seems more interested in the social history of Grand Central Terminal rather than on its architecture; those searching for a more comprehensive account its builders and artists might be better served elsewhere. But in its chosen focus Grand Central offers up some interesting tidbits about how a single railroad terminal changed a nation—and even a the world—for good. When opened to the public, for example, the Terminal's unique use of sloping walkways led to the adaptation of the word 'ramp' in popular vocabulary—and the railroad system itself transformed the way the population synchronized and time zones.
Grand Central Terminal made a Midtown in Manhattan. This celebration of its glories—and its low points—makes for an engaging read.
August 17, 2013
I have grown up going in and out of Grand Central- and like so many of us, have been a part of the many changes over the years. I am thrilled to know the history, the secrets and the triumphs of GCT. I am forever grateful to the committee who preserved it for all of us who have an undeniable passion for the place. Much of my life has poignant moments punctuated by GCT.
The book takes me back to a history that is fun to know and allows the reader a relationship with a place. This book is approachable, interesting and entertaining. It is a lovely size to have as a coffee table book, or to give to friends visiting the terminal for the first time. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book- I obviously thoroughly enjoyed it.
We read it for our Byrd's Books Book Group choice for August.
The book takes me back to a history that is fun to know and allows the reader a relationship with a place. This book is approachable, interesting and entertaining. It is a lovely size to have as a coffee table book, or to give to friends visiting the terminal for the first time. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book- I obviously thoroughly enjoyed it.
We read it for our Byrd's Books Book Group choice for August.
April 26, 2018
The story of Grand Central station is a story of American captialism and American Government working side by side and thriving together.
The first idea of Grand Central was a private enterprise idea of Commodore Vanderbilt in the 1860’s where he paid $100M of his own money to build the first major train depot at the spot; however, it is questionable if he would of had such deep pockets if not for the corrupt NY legislation in 1840’s that legalized his rail monopoly and whether he could ever of bought all the real estate without corrupt Tammany politicians selling NYC land to him at 5% of market value in exchange for political contributions and bribes. Nonetheless, it started the beginning of midtown NYC, it opened up the the idea of suburbs to working families and it created the predecessor to the modern airport.
After a couple decades of horrific street level pedestrian deaths and a massive 1902 train crash, the public demands for safety resulted in William Wilgus proposing a magnificent vision for an entirely subterranean train station using electric cars, funded by a retail bazaar and leasing of all above train rail space as a novel idea of real estate air rights. Thus the idea of the modern Grand Central was born.
It took $2B in today’s dollar to build Grand Central, NYC paid for most the sinking of rail lines so they could be covered over, and the whole enterprise was done as rail use was flourishing in and out of the location at the same time, roughly ten years later with great fan fare Grand Central’s doors openned on 2/02/1913.
From the 1910’s till the 1940’s Grand Central flourished like no other place in America, Vanderbilt’s rail company grew to astronomical value, the real estate in and around Grand Central the most valuable in all of America, and the luxury Pullman overnight long haul train travel service became the envy of the world.
A roundtrip NYC to Chicago trip on the 20th Century Limited was $1400 in today’s dollars, the train could reach close to 75 mph at certain points, was on-time always within 5 seconds, and the train had it own barber, manicurist, secretary services, mail box and telephone number, plus showers and queen size beds in the luxury Pullman suites.
Things changed dramatically in the 1950’s as highway systems and airports allowed people to travel independently and faster then rail. By the 1967, the $1400 roundtrip was now $48, the entire luxury long haul train service disappearing. The company that owned Penn Station and Grand Central, already had Penn Stationn demolished and had its eyes on Grand Central. It took herculean preservation efforts led by Jacqueline Onassis to save Grand Central. Even the landmark status was initiated refused as a infringement on private business.
Ed Koch was asked why demolition of Grand Central was not inevitable and said, “Central Park doesn’t support itself. God forbid we should ever think of (Grand Central) that way”.
After Onassis sucessful effort to stop the demolition of Grand Central, it took $400M via a government bonding secured by retail revenues to restore Grand Central. It was Peter Stangl, president Metro-North, after the city took ownership of Grand Central that transformed it from a homeless shelter and drug depot to a miraclous palace of commuter beauty. It took 10 years and by the late 1980’s Grand Central haf metamorphosed from a failed premium luxury long haul passenger depot into Americas grandest, biggest and busiest commuter terminal.
There is much more in Sam Roberts book, celebrities, amazing secrets of the station, famous employees and station interworking which makes this an amazing short read book of American history.
The first idea of Grand Central was a private enterprise idea of Commodore Vanderbilt in the 1860’s where he paid $100M of his own money to build the first major train depot at the spot; however, it is questionable if he would of had such deep pockets if not for the corrupt NY legislation in 1840’s that legalized his rail monopoly and whether he could ever of bought all the real estate without corrupt Tammany politicians selling NYC land to him at 5% of market value in exchange for political contributions and bribes. Nonetheless, it started the beginning of midtown NYC, it opened up the the idea of suburbs to working families and it created the predecessor to the modern airport.
After a couple decades of horrific street level pedestrian deaths and a massive 1902 train crash, the public demands for safety resulted in William Wilgus proposing a magnificent vision for an entirely subterranean train station using electric cars, funded by a retail bazaar and leasing of all above train rail space as a novel idea of real estate air rights. Thus the idea of the modern Grand Central was born.
It took $2B in today’s dollar to build Grand Central, NYC paid for most the sinking of rail lines so they could be covered over, and the whole enterprise was done as rail use was flourishing in and out of the location at the same time, roughly ten years later with great fan fare Grand Central’s doors openned on 2/02/1913.
From the 1910’s till the 1940’s Grand Central flourished like no other place in America, Vanderbilt’s rail company grew to astronomical value, the real estate in and around Grand Central the most valuable in all of America, and the luxury Pullman overnight long haul train travel service became the envy of the world.
A roundtrip NYC to Chicago trip on the 20th Century Limited was $1400 in today’s dollars, the train could reach close to 75 mph at certain points, was on-time always within 5 seconds, and the train had it own barber, manicurist, secretary services, mail box and telephone number, plus showers and queen size beds in the luxury Pullman suites.
Things changed dramatically in the 1950’s as highway systems and airports allowed people to travel independently and faster then rail. By the 1967, the $1400 roundtrip was now $48, the entire luxury long haul train service disappearing. The company that owned Penn Station and Grand Central, already had Penn Stationn demolished and had its eyes on Grand Central. It took herculean preservation efforts led by Jacqueline Onassis to save Grand Central. Even the landmark status was initiated refused as a infringement on private business.
Ed Koch was asked why demolition of Grand Central was not inevitable and said, “Central Park doesn’t support itself. God forbid we should ever think of (Grand Central) that way”.
After Onassis sucessful effort to stop the demolition of Grand Central, it took $400M via a government bonding secured by retail revenues to restore Grand Central. It was Peter Stangl, president Metro-North, after the city took ownership of Grand Central that transformed it from a homeless shelter and drug depot to a miraclous palace of commuter beauty. It took 10 years and by the late 1980’s Grand Central haf metamorphosed from a failed premium luxury long haul passenger depot into Americas grandest, biggest and busiest commuter terminal.
There is much more in Sam Roberts book, celebrities, amazing secrets of the station, famous employees and station interworking which makes this an amazing short read book of American history.
December 13, 2017
The best way I could describe this book is that it is a love letter to Grand Central Terminal. It gives a nice overview of the rise of railroad industry and sweeps through a succinct narrative of how the terminal was conceived, its construction, its decline, and ultimately its restoration to the state it is in today. However, its main underpinning is a tone of pride and passion in the character of the station and the people that commute through it and work there. For New Yorkers such as myself, it reminds you of the first time you walked through it and recognized how grand it is, and for those who have not been to New York, I'm sure it will make you want to visit. The only criticism I have is that I wished it provided more detail about the lives of the key players in its creation, such as the Vanderbilts, and also went a bit more into the architecture of the building. Despite that, its a great read for anyone interested in a bit of history about the worlds most famous train station.
April 22, 2018
I may have rated this a little higher than a more impartial reader would; because of my general enthusiasm for trains and also for New York City. The writing is not that great, but I am fond of this book because of all the new information it gave me.
It also places itself firmly on the pro-historical preservation side; which makes it the first book / blog of its kind that I've encountered. Ed Glaeser was firmly on the fence, and Tyler Cowen etc are firmly anti-preservationists. The new perspective is refreshing, even if not something I agree with.
It also places itself firmly on the pro-historical preservation side; which makes it the first book / blog of its kind that I've encountered. Ed Glaeser was firmly on the fence, and Tyler Cowen etc are firmly anti-preservationists. The new perspective is refreshing, even if not something I agree with.
December 22, 2021
Interesting subject, and I especially loved hearing about how Penn Station (in spite of being the Amtrak hub for NYC) failed to reach the grandeur of Grand Central Station. It was also fascinating to hear how the rail system and Grand Central in particular were influential in creating the standard time within a time zone (instead of it being maybe 6 minutes different in Philadelphia compared to NYC). Overall, the narrative was rather dry. How much of that was the audiobook narration, I'm not sure.
June 5, 2024
Beautiful tribute to a city’s architectural treasure and those whose efforts have seen it built, succeed, reimagined and refurbished. You can’t write a history of Grand Central Station without a general history of early railroads in the 1800’s (and Vanderbilt), a discussion of the decision to choose AC or DC current, and a history of NYC. So buckle your seatbelts.
Loved the last chapters. One focuses on the people and the different jobs they perform to make the station run smoothly. The second to last chapter focuses on those bits of urban-lore and other trivia that make GCS unique.
Loved the last chapters. One focuses on the people and the different jobs they perform to make the station run smoothly. The second to last chapter focuses on those bits of urban-lore and other trivia that make GCS unique.
March 4, 2018
I know this one took me months to read in short bursts. It is a detailed photo filled biography of Grand Central Station. The author includes architectural, cultural, and political history of the development of this magnificent building and the area. Best of all, my great-uncle was mentioned in his role as advocate for the NYC landmarks conservatory.
January 20, 2022
One of New York's Architectural Gems!
This book was informative and wonderful to read! I enjoyed learning about the history of Grand Central Terminal, from its planning and construction to its preservation and rebirth. I really enjoyed learning about the secret spaces inside this grand building!
This book was informative and wonderful to read! I enjoyed learning about the history of Grand Central Terminal, from its planning and construction to its preservation and rebirth. I really enjoyed learning about the secret spaces inside this grand building!
December 18, 2022
I commuted through Grand Central daily for a number of years. Learning about the history of the building, the role of the competing railroads (and their termini) in the development both of NYC and of the empires of the men who built them was interwoven, creating context. I also had been reading a number of fiction and non-fiction books about the Gilded Age and this was a useful addition.
July 22, 2024
After visiting New York and seeing Grand Central, I had to learn more. So much great information about the building, design, people, etc. Some technical information that was more than I enjoyed but majority was informative and interesting. Had no idea the trains had so much say in our Time Zones becoming a fact.
December 27, 2017
Intrigued after reading Linda Fairstein's book set in and around Grand Central I searched for a copy of this book and borrowed this one from Prospector. Lots and lots of history that made me really respect Fairstein's research and ability to weave that history into a griping mystery.
January 2, 2018
A fascinating history
Grand Central is a marvelous building and any one want to explore it's secrets would do well to start here. Three book proceeds mostly chronologically, but towards the end it loses its way a bit and is hard to follow the authors intentions.
Grand Central is a marvelous building and any one want to explore it's secrets would do well to start here. Three book proceeds mostly chronologically, but towards the end it loses its way a bit and is hard to follow the authors intentions.
August 4, 2019
Didn't offer much detail, too heavy on names and events that don't seem very important. I was expecting more of a history, but this book is really more of an homage to the Terminal than it is a history.
January 19, 2021
Too many quotes from Art and Architecture articles. While maps on Kindle are generally useless, some floor diagrams would have helped. Presumes far too much knowledge of NYC geography. Not sure what I expected, but whatever it was, this was not it.
Robert DeChellis
Robert DeChellis
September 28, 2017
it was interesting to know so much history behind Grand Central.
November 18, 2017
There are some very interesting little tidbits in this book that really made it a fascinating read.
March 10, 2019
Four if you really like trains, architecture, urban planning or history. Three is your are only mildly interested.
November 6, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book & can’t wait to get back to this gorgeous building. If you are not a lover of New York City, you probably won’t enjoy this book.
January 3, 2020
Good information. Maybe a little bit rambling though.
December 19, 2021
Marvellous info though I think it could have used some proof reading
June 6, 2023
Interesting subject - pedestrian prose.
November 9, 2023
The 5⭐️ is for how much I learned! Fascinating.
November 28, 2023
Very informative, well-written and researched in depth. Great photos too! I'm a big fan of Grand Central Station and New York City, so this book is right up my alley!
Read
December 20, 2023Interesting if you're onto that genre
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews