Gotham Rising: New York in the 1930s

by Jules Stewart

Often described as the greatest city in the world, New York is one of the iconic cities of the world. Yet much of its architecture and culture which so defines the city we know today only came into being in the 1930s, in what was perhaps the most significant decade in the city's 400 year history.

Jules Stewart shows how, after the roaring twenties, the catastrophic Wall Street Crash and ensuing Depression, New York rose from the ashes and underwent an architectural, economic, social and creative renaissance under the leadership of Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. After seizing power, he declared war on the mafia mobs running vast swathes of the city, attacked political corruption and kick-started the economy through a variety of construction and infrastructure projects. At the same time, a cultural revolution was underway as the jazz age and the Harlem Renaissance took hold. From the Empire State Building to the Pastrami Sandwich and the Cotton Club, Gotham Rising tells the story of when the city we know today came of age.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, New York, Research, American History

308 pages, Paperback

Published December 10, 2020

Reviews

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘This book sets out to be the story of the decade in which New York rose to become the cultural, artistic and financial powerhouse of the United States.’

I’ve read a few books about New York over the years. My main focus has either been on the history of the city, on some of the inhabitants, or on some of the iconic buildings. I was intrigued by the description of this book, by its focus on the 1930s.

Is the 1930s the most significant decade in New York’s 400-year history? I guess it depends on how (and by whom) significance is measured. Mr Stewart certainly makes a strong case for the importance of the 1930s, and I found sections of the book – especially the discussion of Fiorello La Guardia’s role as mayor, and the role of Robert Moses – fascinating. While I had some awareness of the war waged on the mafia mobs during this period, and against political corruption I knew very little about most of the infrastructure projects undertaken.

And it wasn’t just building and infrastructure which changed the face of New York. Waves of migration had their impact on the city, as did cultural change. Where else in the world would religious Jewish Sabbath observance take place around the corner from a Hell’s Angels clubhouse?

I hope to visit New York one day, and see some of the iconic buildings mentioned for myself. In the meantime, I’ll settle for reading more about Fiorello La Guardia and Robert Moses. And whenever I listen to Duke Ellington, I’ll think of New York.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and I.B.Tauris for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book received from NetGalley.

While this book says it focuses on the 30's it does give some background on Jazz Age New York and finishes with a bit of information how things were at the beginning of World War II. It is a history separated into chapters discussing, the end of Prohibition, The New York Mob, how the Depression left its mark on the architecture of the city and the Big Bands that started in the city. My only issue is that it was too short and I wanted more. I really liked the book especially since I had recently read a book on Gilded Age New York. This is one I'm going to be buying for my shelves as soon as I get the chance.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot went on in New York in the 1930's and this book is a decent overview. I learned a lot about Fiorello Laguardia, the construction of Rockefeller Center and the Waldorf-Astoria. Who knew that Walldorf was the name of the German city that the Astors originally came from? That said, as history this book is a bit light. The chapters don't really relate to each other well; each one stands on its own, but you don't see much in the way of an over-arching vision. It's pleasant to read, but doesn't have the depth of insight you feel from a major, heavily researched history. This might be a good book to read before a one-week visit to New York.

[Adrienne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t give a lot of 1 star ratings because I’ll just stop reading a book if I think it’s that bad, but this one has been on my TBR for a long time. I asked my library to order it, which they generously did, and then I had it out through 3 renewals before I eventually read it. So I felt committed, and forced myself to get through it.

What was so bad? It was more of a series of essays rather than a cohesive book. The essays were written like a bunch of high school term papers- designed to show off the extensive research behind them, but with no style. The author made excessive use of the passive voice. The writing was dull; the paragraphs disjointed factual recitations. The author did not offer any insights, and the book, although actually quite short, seemed much longer than it was.

[Eileen Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive account of the beginning of one of my favourite cities.
The anecdotes contained in this very well written book are emotive of the times when the city had just been born and the growing pains that it was going through.
One day I'll make a return visit, but not just yet.
Very highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher I.B. Tauris via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the sub-title tells us, this is about New York in the 1930s, a decade that the author suggest was the most significant in the city’s history and development, especially after Fiorello La Guardia came to power. It’s a comprehensive and thoroughly researched account of the life and times of this most fascinating of cities and written in an accessible and lively style, full of anecdote as well as hard facts. Most enjoyable and informative

[Sevelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely crafted survey of New York City in the 1930s. Much if it has been written about elsewhere, but this still makes for a breezy and accessible read that contained a few surprise. Who knew that Lucky Luciano was (mebbe) linked to the Normandie disaster or that there was a Casino in Central Park? Also learned about Lil Picard, whom I had never heard of. Enjoyed this read. It could serve as a textbook for a class on New York City history.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read that provides some insight into an important part of New York's history. A light and vibrant read more suited to the traveller or armchair historian than the serious academic. The book is none the worse for that.

[Sharalynne Pasztor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most significant decade in the history of New York City....how New York became New York....Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, the Mafia, and all happening during the depression....Interesting read!

[Br. Thanasi (Thomas) Stama · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a native New Yorker, this was great background material into so much of what I enjoyed being in the next generation. It is a selective history on the 20's-40's.

[Lee Goldberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very informative. I’m researching the 1930s for a book I’m currently writing and this was a good jumping off point.

[Lynne Carlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating history written in thoroughly accessible chapters. Can be read steadily or bit at a time as I did.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing worth building is easy.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting in parts, pendantuc in others