Seeing Central Park: The Official Guide to the World's Greatest Urban Park

by Sara Cedar Miller

For more than 150 years, Central Park has been the centerpiece of New York City, drawing more than 25 million visitors each year. In Seeing Central Park , Sara Cedar Miller, the official historian and photographer of the Central Park Conservancy, takes readers through America's most popular and celebrated park, where natural and manmade features are interwoven into a spectacular work of public art. Combining superb research and writing with breathtaking photographs, Seeing Central Park is not only a gorgeous gift book, but also a guide through every significant design feature in the park, from the largest, such as the Reservoir, to the smallest, such as the intricate carvings in the stonework surrounding Bethesda Terrace.
Seeing Central Park also reveals many newly renovated and restored designs, including Bow Bridge, which has been canonized in countless films, and the Minto Tile Arcade near the famous Bethesda Fountain.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Sara Cedar Miller has been the official photographer and historian for the Central Park Conservancy since 1984. She is the author of Abrams' Central Park: An American Masterpiece. She lives in New York.

Reviews

[Lauriann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been to NYC several times but have never set foot in Central Park. I've skirted the edges, but had so many other things to see. My plan is to forget all the other sights of the city and treat myself to a Central Park Day this Spring. I borrowed this from the library to see if it might be a good read for before my trip. I have not finished it, it is due back, but I KNOW I will be purchasing this to take with me to Central Park. It is LOADED with pictures, maps and text describing the history, the landscape, the architecture, features and secrets of the park. I don't think I could ask for a more perfect guide.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking for a book about Central Park for quite a while, especially after seeing a recent documentary regarding the history and restoration project. Central Park is one of my favorite places; there is so much beauty and so much to see. Walking through the park brings me such peace.

This book has beautiful pictures and the history parts are informative yet easy and enjoyable to read. It's small, too; it was designed to actually use as a guide book as you walk around the park. I can't wait to go visit some of the spots I have yet to see. I picked it up this weekend at a book shop in Grand Central Station while waiting for my train. Glad I had almost an hour to shop!

[Teri]

Bought this at the New York Public Library Book Shop. I admire the beauty of the park every time I walk through there. It is so massive and I would like to know the history of the statues and various areas in the park. This book also has beautiful pictures of all the landmarks mentioned. Could use this book for a self guided tour.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book packs a big punch. Sara Cedar Miller is Central Park's official photographer. There are a lot of beautiful pictures and intresting historical background that is very readable and easy to digest. I can't wait to see the park in person.

[Steve Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Very informative about the history of the park along with the changes made to it throughout the years, especially during revitalization efforts of the conservancy. Only negative was that it made me wish I could be there to appreciate the park's beauty in person.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a two week book so I couldn't read all that I wanted, but it is a beautiful all inclusive description of all the wonderful statutes and places in the park.

[Yuki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs of Central Park. Great souvenir for visitors, nice tidbits for locals. I like the square shape of the book as well.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photos, great map, comprehensive information. I don't think I could have asked for anything more. This will be my guide book when I go.