What do you think?
Rate this book
Subway: The Curiosities, Secrets, and Unofficial History of the New York City Transit System
This dynamic visual history of the world's largest transit system -- in all its intriguing, colorful, and even seedy glory -- is packed with fascinating facts and hundreds of compelling photographs.
When the first New York subway line opened in 1904, it was the most advanced in the world and a source of enormous civic pride. Today, it is an essential function to the lives of New Yorkers and a perennial cultural touchstone. To be a New Yorker is to take the train. To celebrate it, or grumble about it.
The History, Curiosities, and Secrets of the New York City Transit System by John E. Morris is both a vivid history of this great transportation system and an exploration of its impact on the city and popular culture. The book covers every remarkable moment, from the technical obstacles and corruption that impeded plans for an underground rail line in the 1800s, to the current state of the system and plans for the future; profiles of the colorful, forgotten characters who built and restored the subway; graphics and imagery showing the evolution of subway cars and the way fares are collected; how subway etiquette rules have evolved with society; great subway chase scenes and songs about the subway; a look at abandoned stations and half-built tunnels; and more.
In this visually stunning work, packed with original research, journalist and bestselling author John Morris brings life to this one-time engineering marvel that has united and expanded the city for the last 116 years.
When the first New York subway line opened in 1904, it was the most advanced in the world and a source of enormous civic pride. Today, it is an essential function to the lives of New Yorkers and a perennial cultural touchstone. To be a New Yorker is to take the train. To celebrate it, or grumble about it.
The History, Curiosities, and Secrets of the New York City Transit System by John E. Morris is both a vivid history of this great transportation system and an exploration of its impact on the city and popular culture. The book covers every remarkable moment, from the technical obstacles and corruption that impeded plans for an underground rail line in the 1800s, to the current state of the system and plans for the future; profiles of the colorful, forgotten characters who built and restored the subway; graphics and imagery showing the evolution of subway cars and the way fares are collected; how subway etiquette rules have evolved with society; great subway chase scenes and songs about the subway; a look at abandoned stations and half-built tunnels; and more.
In this visually stunning work, packed with original research, journalist and bestselling author John Morris brings life to this one-time engineering marvel that has united and expanded the city for the last 116 years.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2020
About the author
John E. Morris
11 books8 followersJohn E. Morris wrote King of Capital. From 2012 to 2016, Morris edited Bloomberg’s Mergers, Private Equity and Distressed & Bankruptcy newsletters. He was previously Deputy Managing Editor with Dow Jones Investment Banker and Assistant Managing Editor at The Deal in New York and London. Before that he was an editor and writer at The American Lawyer magazine. He has made frequent appearances on CNBC and BBC. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He practiced law in San Francisco for six years before becoming a journalist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 13, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and for that I thank the author and the publisher.
I have never been in NYC, but that didn't stop me from being interested in this title when I first came upon it. A midwestern girl all my life, I was nevertheless fascinated by the underground travel systems around the world. The only comparable thing I had experienced was the El in Chicago, and that's very much above ground.
In 1904, the first New York subway line opened. Considering the times, that had to have been a massive amount of engineering and back-breaking labor. It sure was, and then some. This book is full of photographs of the subway system which I greatly enjoyed perusing.
The subway had a hard time coming to fruition, including, but not limited to, corruption in the late 1800's.
Today, you cannot go to NY and not want to ride the famous subway lines - to see for yourself what all the bragging - and sometimes frustration - is all about. Maybe I will get to do that one day too.
This book is meticulously researched and well written. I took my time going through it. Kudos to author John E. Morris.
I have never been in NYC, but that didn't stop me from being interested in this title when I first came upon it. A midwestern girl all my life, I was nevertheless fascinated by the underground travel systems around the world. The only comparable thing I had experienced was the El in Chicago, and that's very much above ground.
In 1904, the first New York subway line opened. Considering the times, that had to have been a massive amount of engineering and back-breaking labor. It sure was, and then some. This book is full of photographs of the subway system which I greatly enjoyed perusing.
The subway had a hard time coming to fruition, including, but not limited to, corruption in the late 1800's.
Today, you cannot go to NY and not want to ride the famous subway lines - to see for yourself what all the bragging - and sometimes frustration - is all about. Maybe I will get to do that one day too.
This book is meticulously researched and well written. I took my time going through it. Kudos to author John E. Morris.
January 6, 2025
Fun read after a recent trip to NYC. The author describes it as "a book about the subway packed with pictures and factoids to satisfy a reader with a short attention span," but he also does an admirable job of showing how a system designed to be insulated from politics can be more accurately described as one that instead insulates politicians from any responsibility.
March 20, 2025
Colorful facts and full of history
January 25, 2021
It is a very in-depth book, without getting tiresome to read. The section on where to see glimpses of abandoned stations from “live” trains and platforms was particularly interesting.
March 23, 2025
Захватывающая книга про то, как строилось метро Нью-Йорка (и какое оно до сих пор несовершенное). Остроумно, хорошо поделено на главы, много классных фотографий. Теперь бы такую книгу про московское метро!
July 31, 2025
Read my review on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
November 5, 2020
I almost only gave this 3 stars, but then I decided that was a bit unfair. This book tells a compelling story of the history of the NYC subway system, and is much more coherent and well-organized than my own reading on the subject previously. If I hadn't obsessively read (and in some cases, re-read) every page on nycsubway.org over the past 20 years, I think more of this book would be new to me, and possibly I would have given it 5 stars.
If you're a big train geek or specifically a budding NYC subway aficionado, this book will prove both entertaining and informative. It goes into enough depth to satisfy one's curiosity without ever becoming a slog through minutiae. Yet it also gives enough hidden knowledge and little details about the system to keep you wanting more (along with a comprehensive notes section pointing you to it). If you were drawing maps for real (the author) or imaginary (myself) subway systems at age 9, this book is for you.
While I read this on a black & white e-reader, I would suggest trying to get it in hardcopy or at least reading it on a color screen, since there are a lot of compelling maps and images which do lose something in low resolution and lacking color. I plan to go back and correct my error.
If you're a big train geek or specifically a budding NYC subway aficionado, this book will prove both entertaining and informative. It goes into enough depth to satisfy one's curiosity without ever becoming a slog through minutiae. Yet it also gives enough hidden knowledge and little details about the system to keep you wanting more (along with a comprehensive notes section pointing you to it). If you were drawing maps for real (the author) or imaginary (myself) subway systems at age 9, this book is for you.
While I read this on a black & white e-reader, I would suggest trying to get it in hardcopy or at least reading it on a color screen, since there are a lot of compelling maps and images which do lose something in low resolution and lacking color. I plan to go back and correct my error.
February 27, 2021
It only makes sense that a city as popular as New York city would have streets massively congested with pedestrians, carriages, wagons and more. And that doesn't include the tons of manure that would collect every single day. So two different men decided to follow the idea of London and Paris and construct elevated railways.
The darkness, noise, and limited access and routes steadily encouraged the digging of tunnels. There were two different men who had the idea of subterranean railways but then the tunnels, in turn, had cars pulled by locomotives with all the smoke and cinders. Eventually three different lines or rather competitors since they made a point to not make transferring between companies convenient or even possible. A third company only increased the confusion getting from one place to another. But eventually the city managed to gain control and ownership of all three.
BMT - the former Brooklyn Manhattan Transit - which are the current routes labelled J on down.
IRT - the former Interborough Rapid Transit - which are the currently numbered routes.
And IND - the former Independent Subway System - which are the current routes lettered A through G
And only once they became city-owned, did some crossover of routes as well as shared tunnels and stations occur. TA or the NYC Transit Authority was established in 1953 and the MTA or Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been the 'parent' of TA since 1968.
The author does provide a listing of some of the abandoned tunnels, closed off or restricted stations due to changing mechanical needs. The gorgeous tiled and clear glass ceiling of the original City Hall station can only be accessed either by tour or by staying on one route as it uses the sharply curved rails to turn around. Several of the older stations have glazed tiles with hints behind the names of the station. Traces of abandoned elevated tracks as well as lower platforms which are now only used for storage areas.
There are also interesting bits about the various cars used over the decades. The development of maps to attempt to clarify the routes. Many of the old discarded cars were dumped into the Atlantic in the hope to attract sea life and protect from shore erosion. There is discussion about graffitti, crime, hoped for lines/routes, the annual NO Pants Day in January (yep, riding the subway with coat, scarf, gloves, boots and no pants.) The 2nd Avenue route that had been promised for over 40 years which is finally in the works with stage 2 of 4 under construction. The restoration of the Cortlandt Street station after 9/11 when edges of the towers collapsed into edges of the station (there is a picture) which has only been completed in 2018. The Superstorm Sandy repairs - started in 2012 - are still in progress and there is a picture of water to the street-level top step of an escalator.
One thing I feel I must caution readers about - a knowledge of the street grid as well as the NYC subway will definitely be a plus. Some of the routes - actual and planned - meant nothing to me since I am unfamiliar with the street grid. Otherwise, it was interesting to see how the mass transit system for NYC developed and changed and is still undergoing further construction.
2021-039
The darkness, noise, and limited access and routes steadily encouraged the digging of tunnels. There were two different men who had the idea of subterranean railways but then the tunnels, in turn, had cars pulled by locomotives with all the smoke and cinders. Eventually three different lines or rather competitors since they made a point to not make transferring between companies convenient or even possible. A third company only increased the confusion getting from one place to another. But eventually the city managed to gain control and ownership of all three.
BMT - the former Brooklyn Manhattan Transit - which are the current routes labelled J on down.
IRT - the former Interborough Rapid Transit - which are the currently numbered routes.
And IND - the former Independent Subway System - which are the current routes lettered A through G
And only once they became city-owned, did some crossover of routes as well as shared tunnels and stations occur. TA or the NYC Transit Authority was established in 1953 and the MTA or Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been the 'parent' of TA since 1968.
The author does provide a listing of some of the abandoned tunnels, closed off or restricted stations due to changing mechanical needs. The gorgeous tiled and clear glass ceiling of the original City Hall station can only be accessed either by tour or by staying on one route as it uses the sharply curved rails to turn around. Several of the older stations have glazed tiles with hints behind the names of the station. Traces of abandoned elevated tracks as well as lower platforms which are now only used for storage areas.
There are also interesting bits about the various cars used over the decades. The development of maps to attempt to clarify the routes. Many of the old discarded cars were dumped into the Atlantic in the hope to attract sea life and protect from shore erosion. There is discussion about graffitti, crime, hoped for lines/routes, the annual NO Pants Day in January (yep, riding the subway with coat, scarf, gloves, boots and no pants.) The 2nd Avenue route that had been promised for over 40 years which is finally in the works with stage 2 of 4 under construction. The restoration of the Cortlandt Street station after 9/11 when edges of the towers collapsed into edges of the station (there is a picture) which has only been completed in 2018. The Superstorm Sandy repairs - started in 2012 - are still in progress and there is a picture of water to the street-level top step of an escalator.
One thing I feel I must caution readers about - a knowledge of the street grid as well as the NYC subway will definitely be a plus. Some of the routes - actual and planned - meant nothing to me since I am unfamiliar with the street grid. Otherwise, it was interesting to see how the mass transit system for NYC developed and changed and is still undergoing further construction.
2021-039
August 1, 2026
They had me at New York Subway. For me, it's sort of a mystical place. Like Narnia, the Hundred Acre Woods, Avalon, Middle Earth.... but real.
My family moved to NJ, near Newark in 1968-ish. My Dad worked in Brooklyn. He carpooled to work, but we also could take a train. I was six, so I'm not clear on details. I do know that we sometimes drove, and sometimes ended up in the subways. I remember the graffiti, and the trains, and the ads. I remember the cool tiles. That was the first time I saw the 'bad words' (remember, I was in grade school and it was the late 60s/early 70s), some of which I had never actually heard. We spent a lot of time in Manhattan, in Central Park, the Museums. Tiffany's and F.A.O. Schwartz were also 'museums'. When I was in sixth grade we moved to the DC area.
The DC Metro (subways) opened shortly after - and we used the red line to get to the Mall and other places. It was SO different. It was cool also, but didn't have the same panache...
I also love history, and historical fiction. I read books about NY regardless of time, and have some understanding of the geography; the scenes near the Reagan homes in Blue Bloods bring memories, often more of areas around us in NJ, because we didn't spend time in residential areas of NYC. Law & Order also sparks memories of NYC.
After we moved in '74, I didn't return to Manhattan until 1981, and then did not go into the subway. After 9/11, my Dad & Step-Mom worked with FEMA near Ground Zero. I packed my two kids and a stroller, with an overnight bag, diaper bag, and backpack onto an Amtrak in Quantico, VA and we met my Dad at Penn Station. He took us on the subway to get to their apartment near the intersection of John & William Streets. We went to Central Park, the Bowery, and some other places. I swear, even if we went to the same place, we did not seem to go down into the bowels in the same place, nor come back out in the same place. My Dad was able to get us wherever we were going as if almost three decades had not passed. I was bewildered. Used to the DC Metro which is what, a half dozen lines? NYC's subway was a labyrinth.
So, the book. I loved the nostalgia. I loved the pictures and the history. I loved the knowledge. Yes, I do wish the book were bigger - not necessarily longer, but at least 8.5 x 11, so the font could be bigger - I wear reading glasses, but even so, some of the captions were a challenge. Morris did give us big pictures, and I really think so many of them were important - of course they used dynamite and dug those tunnels by hand 100 years ago; and used horses or mules hitched to wagons to haul debris. Seeing it was not the same. The politics, the finances, the geometry (car size, train length, station length). Also, I get that pictures were taken in black and white - it was the early 20th century; I also understand that it is more expensive to include colour pix in a book... but I do wish some of the pix were colourized - just for better viewing.
I can't wait to share this with my Dad.
My family moved to NJ, near Newark in 1968-ish. My Dad worked in Brooklyn. He carpooled to work, but we also could take a train. I was six, so I'm not clear on details. I do know that we sometimes drove, and sometimes ended up in the subways. I remember the graffiti, and the trains, and the ads. I remember the cool tiles. That was the first time I saw the 'bad words' (remember, I was in grade school and it was the late 60s/early 70s), some of which I had never actually heard. We spent a lot of time in Manhattan, in Central Park, the Museums. Tiffany's and F.A.O. Schwartz were also 'museums'. When I was in sixth grade we moved to the DC area.
The DC Metro (subways) opened shortly after - and we used the red line to get to the Mall and other places. It was SO different. It was cool also, but didn't have the same panache...
I also love history, and historical fiction. I read books about NY regardless of time, and have some understanding of the geography; the scenes near the Reagan homes in Blue Bloods bring memories, often more of areas around us in NJ, because we didn't spend time in residential areas of NYC. Law & Order also sparks memories of NYC.
After we moved in '74, I didn't return to Manhattan until 1981, and then did not go into the subway. After 9/11, my Dad & Step-Mom worked with FEMA near Ground Zero. I packed my two kids and a stroller, with an overnight bag, diaper bag, and backpack onto an Amtrak in Quantico, VA and we met my Dad at Penn Station. He took us on the subway to get to their apartment near the intersection of John & William Streets. We went to Central Park, the Bowery, and some other places. I swear, even if we went to the same place, we did not seem to go down into the bowels in the same place, nor come back out in the same place. My Dad was able to get us wherever we were going as if almost three decades had not passed. I was bewildered. Used to the DC Metro which is what, a half dozen lines? NYC's subway was a labyrinth.
So, the book. I loved the nostalgia. I loved the pictures and the history. I loved the knowledge. Yes, I do wish the book were bigger - not necessarily longer, but at least 8.5 x 11, so the font could be bigger - I wear reading glasses, but even so, some of the captions were a challenge. Morris did give us big pictures, and I really think so many of them were important - of course they used dynamite and dug those tunnels by hand 100 years ago; and used horses or mules hitched to wagons to haul debris. Seeing it was not the same. The politics, the finances, the geometry (car size, train length, station length). Also, I get that pictures were taken in black and white - it was the early 20th century; I also understand that it is more expensive to include colour pix in a book... but I do wish some of the pix were colourized - just for better viewing.
I can't wait to share this with my Dad.
September 11, 2023
Subway: The Curiosities, Secrets, and Unofficial History of the New York City Transit System is a rollicking history of New York City’s cultural cornerstone. Brimming with evocative images and maps, this coffee table book traces the development of the subway system from its earliest days of construction by pickaxe and mule-drawn carriage in the early 1900s, the age of enterprising financiers and multiple-line developments through unification in 1940, the incorporation of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) as a parent company for all transit development in 1968, and modern age construction projects. Author John Morris entertainingly captures it all: from the engineering of the tunnels and iterative rolling stock, municipal planning and the heady battles between politicians, builders and capital-providing barons, and the system’s effect on pop culture, film, and the visual arts. This is a truly comprehensive and colorful look at the greatest microcosm of the U.S.’s most iconic city.
May 17, 2025
No matter how dirty and decaying the New York City subway system is, it's a marvel that it was mostly was built over 100 years ago. But how? This volume provides a lively history that includes untold hours of manual labor, engineering wizardry without the use of computers, and city and state politics that threatened its success at every turn. Interspersed are chapters on subway etiquette, advertising, advances in signage, and its role in the arts. It helps to have spent a bit of time getting around on the system to fully appreciate this, but that would include millions from over its famed history.
January 4, 2021
John Moore really did justice to history
Just read arguably a very good, through and fun history of the New York Subway. If you want to understand the politics of transit, this is a good place. Good photos within and stories of how the arts interface with the subway also.
Just read arguably a very good, through and fun history of the New York Subway. If you want to understand the politics of transit, this is a good place. Good photos within and stories of how the arts interface with the subway also.
September 2, 2020
Is this a joke? "Mind the gap" is London and the MTA is an unmitigated disaster. I'd read this just on the fact that nothing you write about the subway can be as bad as the subway itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2021
Well written and filled with funny (sometimes in a cynical way) anecdotes that keep the book entertaining.
September 9, 2021
Interesting anecdotes about how the system became what it is; Great visuals; Super quick read
August 26, 2023
A fun read packed with interesting stories about the subway and NYC.
September 24, 2024
Great book to learn about NYC subway history and intricacies.
Want to Read
January 27, 2025None
April 7, 2025
Not an insightful book -- one could probably learn more about the subject by digging into wikipedia articles.
May 14, 2025
Very interesting book on the almost total dysfunctional transit menagerie in the most corrupt city in the free world
February 6, 2026
An interesting history of the NYC subway. A piece of public infrastructure that makes New York possible.
June 25, 2026
A thoroughly researched book, and a pleasure to read.
June 25, 2026
A brief history of the New York City subway and its importance to the city. An easy read for the casual fan of mass transit.
August 13, 2026
Interesting and well written with numerous sections devoted to various parts of Subway culture and history. Incredible photography as well.
September 2, 2026
Enjoyable. Having lived in NYC long enough, I found that jumping directly to the epilogue was the most rewarding read.
October 11, 2026
Interesting read about the subway it’s origins and history. Felt comprehensive and not too factual as to be boring
November 17, 2021
A book about both history and culture, not just of the subway, but of New York City. The history of that city is somewhat of an obsession of mine, and the subway is a fascinating part, but certainly also interesting in itself. The book has many images to accompany the insightful and thoroughly researched content. Very nice.
December 11, 2024
It's an enthralling and interesting book about the political, financial, and technological struggles that shaped the transit system. Despite its shortcomings and issues, the book celebrates the loveable yet loathable city icon that is the New York City Subway
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews