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The Flatiron: The New York Landmark and the Incomparable City That Arose with It
The marvelous story of the the instantly recognizable building that signaled the start of a new era in New York history. Critics hated it. The public feared it would topple over. Passersby were knocked down by the winds. But even before it was completed, the Flatiron Building had become an unforgettable part of New York City.The Flatiron Building was built by the Chicago-based Fuller Company--a group founded by George Fuller, "the father of the skyscraper"--to be their New York headquarters. The company's president, Harry Black, was never able to make the public call the Flatiron the Fuller Building, however. Black's was the country's largest real estate firm, constructing Macy's department store, and soon after the Plaza Hotel, the Savoy Hotel, and many other iconic buildings in New York as well as in other cities across the country. With an ostentatious lifestyle that drew constant media scrutiny, Black made a fortune only to meet a tragic, untimely end.In The Flatiron, Alice Sparberg Alexiou chronicles not just the story of the building but the heady times in New York at the dawn of the twentieth century. It was a time when Madison Square Park shifted from a promenade for rich women to one for gay prostitutes; when photography became an art; motion pictures came into existence; the booming economy suffered increasing depressions; jazz came to the forefront of popular music--and all within steps of one of the city's best-known and best-loved buildings.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 7, 2020
With a title like “The Flatiron “ you’d expect more on the building. That was a little disappointing. It does have lots of info on the times—cultural, gossip, finance and property. My favorite parts dealt with the Chicago architects and builders responsible for the Flatiron. Not a bad book but something’s missing here!!
February 4, 2013
I have a poster of the Edward Steichen print that is on the cover of this book. I think it is such a cool picture. I love the way it combines the element of the past, the horse drawn carriage, and the future,the Flatiron building. Plus the blue tinted mist and the stark denuded branch.
Anyway, I have always been curious about the building and I am interested in architecture, so I thought I would read this book.
Alexiou's book is a good one because it really provides lots of information about the growth and development of New York in the late 1800's and early 1900's. This is the beginning of the skyscraper era. Plus, she has a personal interest in this because her family at one time owned a piece of the Flatiron.
Harry Black, the son in law, of George Fuller is the focus of the book. He was a ambitious young man who married into a very successful construction business. His father in law, George Fuller died very young from ALS. Black who does not even to my amazemnet have a Wikipedia entry transformed his father in law's Fuller Company into a giant real estate/construction concern. This group was responsible for many of the famous buildings in New York. He became vastly wealthy. I guess a good example of how all glory is fleeting.
In addition, to learning about the New York buildings, construction, unions, and culture, you learn alot about Black's personal life. Pretty gossipy.
The Flatiron was designed by an architect Norman Dinkledge who worked for the famous Chicago firm of Burnaham and Company. Daniel Burnham was the man mainly responsible for the Great White City of the Chicago Exposition. Croyden Purdy was the engineer. This building was one of the first to use steel. At the time, a lot of engineers and architects were skeptial about the lasting power of steel, but it was one of the factors that made high rises possible. Both Dinkledge and Purdy were part of the design of many, many important buildings; however, due to the stockmarket crash in the 1930's both men died basically broke.
The book also talks about the changing neighborhood around the Flatiron. At the time the Flatiron was built many of the big department stores in the area had begun moving west. But since real estate is such a valuable commodity in tiny Manhatten the neighborhood comes back in fashion years later.
A very enjoyable read.
Anyway, I have always been curious about the building and I am interested in architecture, so I thought I would read this book.
Alexiou's book is a good one because it really provides lots of information about the growth and development of New York in the late 1800's and early 1900's. This is the beginning of the skyscraper era. Plus, she has a personal interest in this because her family at one time owned a piece of the Flatiron.
Harry Black, the son in law, of George Fuller is the focus of the book. He was a ambitious young man who married into a very successful construction business. His father in law, George Fuller died very young from ALS. Black who does not even to my amazemnet have a Wikipedia entry transformed his father in law's Fuller Company into a giant real estate/construction concern. This group was responsible for many of the famous buildings in New York. He became vastly wealthy. I guess a good example of how all glory is fleeting.
In addition, to learning about the New York buildings, construction, unions, and culture, you learn alot about Black's personal life. Pretty gossipy.
The Flatiron was designed by an architect Norman Dinkledge who worked for the famous Chicago firm of Burnaham and Company. Daniel Burnham was the man mainly responsible for the Great White City of the Chicago Exposition. Croyden Purdy was the engineer. This building was one of the first to use steel. At the time, a lot of engineers and architects were skeptial about the lasting power of steel, but it was one of the factors that made high rises possible. Both Dinkledge and Purdy were part of the design of many, many important buildings; however, due to the stockmarket crash in the 1930's both men died basically broke.
The book also talks about the changing neighborhood around the Flatiron. At the time the Flatiron was built many of the big department stores in the area had begun moving west. But since real estate is such a valuable commodity in tiny Manhatten the neighborhood comes back in fashion years later.
A very enjoyable read.
June 1, 2013
I used to work in the Flatiron Building. On the 17th floor (so count three down from the top), on the Broadway side, which in this picture is on your left, about three windows back from the point. See, that's my old desk! Naturally, this book was published by my old publisher, which is housed in the Flatiron.
The trend towards skyscrapers began in Chicago after the Great Fire. It eventually moved to New York after some building codes were updated. It never moved to Europe. Because so many businesses could be in such a small area, back in this day before phones when most business was done in person, a journalist noted that in the course of a day you could make three appointments in one day in London, about eight in New York, and fifteen in Chicago. It was so much more efficient in terms of doing work, as well as getting a lot more rent out of a property for its owners. And this weird little triangle of New York was destined to be a skyscraper, as that was the only use of it that made any sense given the property value.
This book did excel in random facts, particularly in the beginning, but for the first time, I stopped enjoying them. After a while, they started to feel like filler, as the author attempted to turn what really should have been a very long magazine article into a full-length book. Ancillary characters were turned into major ones. Minor incidents were made major. Building trends in Europe were discussed. Building trends for decades prior were also analyzed. While I did enjoy the main story quite a bit, it was pretty thin, and all the filler around it wasn't sufficient to make it into a great history. Mr. Fuller was interesting, as was his son-in-law Harry Black who completed the building and made Fuller's company into a building colossus It was well-written and not dry or boring, but it ranged far and wide and if you're looking for a book with more focus, this isn't it. I was also personally disappointed that the author rocketed through the last fifty years of the building's history in a few pages. It was interesting that one reason it is still around today is because it was the subject of a lawsuit and because the convoluted contract said that all three owners had to agree to do anything (not just majority rules).
It is an interesting book for an architecture buff or serious NYC historian, but for an average reader, an article would have been better.
The trend towards skyscrapers began in Chicago after the Great Fire. It eventually moved to New York after some building codes were updated. It never moved to Europe. Because so many businesses could be in such a small area, back in this day before phones when most business was done in person, a journalist noted that in the course of a day you could make three appointments in one day in London, about eight in New York, and fifteen in Chicago. It was so much more efficient in terms of doing work, as well as getting a lot more rent out of a property for its owners. And this weird little triangle of New York was destined to be a skyscraper, as that was the only use of it that made any sense given the property value.
This book did excel in random facts, particularly in the beginning, but for the first time, I stopped enjoying them. After a while, they started to feel like filler, as the author attempted to turn what really should have been a very long magazine article into a full-length book. Ancillary characters were turned into major ones. Minor incidents were made major. Building trends in Europe were discussed. Building trends for decades prior were also analyzed. While I did enjoy the main story quite a bit, it was pretty thin, and all the filler around it wasn't sufficient to make it into a great history. Mr. Fuller was interesting, as was his son-in-law Harry Black who completed the building and made Fuller's company into a building colossus It was well-written and not dry or boring, but it ranged far and wide and if you're looking for a book with more focus, this isn't it. I was also personally disappointed that the author rocketed through the last fifty years of the building's history in a few pages. It was interesting that one reason it is still around today is because it was the subject of a lawsuit and because the convoluted contract said that all three owners had to agree to do anything (not just majority rules).
It is an interesting book for an architecture buff or serious NYC historian, but for an average reader, an article would have been better.
October 15, 2012
I was a little disappointed with this book. It didn't seem to be particularly well organized. It jumped around from subject to subject--any subject, as long as the author could make even the most tenuous connection between it and the building. A huge portion of the book focused on Harry Black. I felt that I knew everything about Black without really knowing him. And at these times, the Fuller/Flatirion Building seemed to drop out of the story altogether, and then all of a sudden the author would mention it again, as if to remind us what the subject of the book actually was.
March 6, 2015
A biography of Harry Black rather than the Flatiron Building. Read the very engaging first third if it's the latter you're seeking.
February 2, 2011
Most interesting to me for the construction details (how terra cotta
tiles are made & used); the fact that bedrock is only 35 ft down
under the Flatiron Building (vs 155 ft at the lower end of Manhattan);
that the standpipe was so effective that water poured out of all the
windows when it was tested as the building was readied for occupancy
in 1902. All this against the moving social and economic center of gravity
in NYC, the changing tastes in architecture, the collisions between labor
and monopoly interests, the gambling and corruption right and left, and
the generously documented personal scandals in the lives of major players
among the builders, investors, changing roster of owners, and even some of
the tenants. The author's grandfather became a part-owner of the building
in 1946, and died the next year. The book is dedicated to him.
tiles are made & used); the fact that bedrock is only 35 ft down
under the Flatiron Building (vs 155 ft at the lower end of Manhattan);
that the standpipe was so effective that water poured out of all the
windows when it was tested as the building was readied for occupancy
in 1902. All this against the moving social and economic center of gravity
in NYC, the changing tastes in architecture, the collisions between labor
and monopoly interests, the gambling and corruption right and left, and
the generously documented personal scandals in the lives of major players
among the builders, investors, changing roster of owners, and even some of
the tenants. The author's grandfather became a part-owner of the building
in 1946, and died the next year. The book is dedicated to him.
September 8, 2014
The book sells you on its coverage of the Flatiron building, and it has enough of that to justify the title, but it's really a different book. The bulk of the book follows the Fuller Company and Harry Black, which was enlightening because I had no idea who he was before (and how influential he was).
The author doesn't discuss much in the way of architectural details of the building. This is perfectly okay, just worth noting.
The author doesn't discuss much in the way of architectural details of the building. This is perfectly okay, just worth noting.
January 21, 2012
01-21-2011: Will hopefully come back to do a proper review. But this was a fantastic read for NYC fans, architecture buffs, and people who like the early 20th century. I heart NY!
September 23, 2018
Critics hated it. The public feared it would topple over. Passersby were knocked down by the winds. But even before it was completed, the Flatiron Building had become an unforgettable part of New York City.
The Flatiron Building was built by the Chicago-based Fuller Company--a group founded by George Fuller, "the father of the skyscraper"--to be their New York headquarters. The company's president, Harry Black, was never able to make the public call the Flatiron the Fuller Building, however. Black's was the country's largest real estate firm, constructing Macy's department store, and soon after the Plaza Hotel, the Savoy Hotel, and many other iconic buildings in New York as well as in other cities across the country. With an ostentatious lifestyle that drew constant media scrutiny, Black made a fortune only to meet a tragic, untimely end.
*3.5 stars*
Before reading this book, I had absolutely no idea of the origins of the "Flatiron Building." All I knew was the iconic photographs of the building. I was interested in the site - why anyone would try and build a skyscraper in such a small plot of land. And how it would actually be constructed. So, from that point of view, this book was sensational. The history of the Fuller Company (and its work not just in New York but in Chicago and beyond), the lives of George Fuller and Harry Black - the two most important people in this story, and the actual construction of the building really drew me into the story. The descriptions of the dawn of the 19th century were also quite enlightening to me. The photographs and references to other buildings helped me to understand what the author was telling me in relation to design of other buildings, or the ongoing construction of the Flatiron.
What let this down for me was the endless details - seemingly minor characters given page after page of text but not really adding more to the history of the building. Constant references to European architecture were made and building trends from decades before were talked about. Not sure if all of that was necessary to the history of THIS building.
However, still a strong book and one that New Yorkers might like, or those with an interest in unique architecture.
Paul
ARH
The Flatiron Building was built by the Chicago-based Fuller Company--a group founded by George Fuller, "the father of the skyscraper"--to be their New York headquarters. The company's president, Harry Black, was never able to make the public call the Flatiron the Fuller Building, however. Black's was the country's largest real estate firm, constructing Macy's department store, and soon after the Plaza Hotel, the Savoy Hotel, and many other iconic buildings in New York as well as in other cities across the country. With an ostentatious lifestyle that drew constant media scrutiny, Black made a fortune only to meet a tragic, untimely end.
*3.5 stars*
Before reading this book, I had absolutely no idea of the origins of the "Flatiron Building." All I knew was the iconic photographs of the building. I was interested in the site - why anyone would try and build a skyscraper in such a small plot of land. And how it would actually be constructed. So, from that point of view, this book was sensational. The history of the Fuller Company (and its work not just in New York but in Chicago and beyond), the lives of George Fuller and Harry Black - the two most important people in this story, and the actual construction of the building really drew me into the story. The descriptions of the dawn of the 19th century were also quite enlightening to me. The photographs and references to other buildings helped me to understand what the author was telling me in relation to design of other buildings, or the ongoing construction of the Flatiron.
What let this down for me was the endless details - seemingly minor characters given page after page of text but not really adding more to the history of the building. Constant references to European architecture were made and building trends from decades before were talked about. Not sure if all of that was necessary to the history of THIS building.
However, still a strong book and one that New Yorkers might like, or those with an interest in unique architecture.
Paul
ARH
May 27, 2020
An interesting history of an iconic symbol of New York City that covers many ancillary topics and stories of the time period. Overall I found it a good historic account of the building and the people involved. My two complaints involve the lack of graphics. I would have loved to see photos of the intricate details of the building the author describes even if they were from today. Also the author seems to assume the reader has a good working knowledge of the layout of NYC with all the address references. I think a street map of the city would help any reader understand the geography better.
July 10, 2017
A breezy, fun read about one of New York City's most iconic buildings. I really enjoyed reading about the golden age of New York City skyscrapers and the scandals involving the family that owned the building. I do wish we had learned more about the Harlem Renaissance-era performers that played at the club that used to be housed in the building. (A sentence or two was devoted to them towards the end of the book and I longed to learn more.)
January 11, 2018
This book is a 3 Star because the Flatiron is just the pivot point upon which the biography of Harry Black spins. The story of Harry, his father in law Fuller plus the architects and other developers is very interesting but the building itself just shows up periodically in the narrative.
One lovely description was quoted: The Flatiron ...”a tall thin wedge like gigantic layer cake, boarding house slice, very thin and tapering”
One lovely description was quoted: The Flatiron ...”a tall thin wedge like gigantic layer cake, boarding house slice, very thin and tapering”
December 23, 2018
Excellent read about a city landmark in NYC. Fascinating read about how this was built and the lives of people involved. Definitely would recommend.
January 6, 2021
Very interesring
Well written and researched. You will learn a lot about the history of the development of the arquitecture and construction of the NYC famous buildings.
Well written and researched. You will learn a lot about the history of the development of the arquitecture and construction of the NYC famous buildings.
February 1, 2021
I liked it, but there wasn't nearly enough about the Flatiron in it. Once it was built, the book goes on about everything else, merely mentioning it in passing now and again.
December 15, 2017
Interesting book of historial facts. I have aquired a cringe factor for anybook that mentions this building in passing: So cliche.
April 12, 2013
The Flatiron building in New York City is one of my favorite buildings. Its curves and angles are so pleasing to the eye, and even today one can hardly imagine how it manages to stay upright.
Although this book is the story of the Flatiron, even more is it the story of the people who envisioned it, built it, and managed it. It's really the story of one Harry Black, the President of the Fuller Company, which constructed the Flatiron.
Many people probably know that the Flatiron was once officially known as the Fuller building, but I, for one, didn't know a thing about the Fuller Company until now. Fuller, which later came under Harry Black's U.S. Realty trust, built not only the Flatiron, but many other iconic New York buildings. The Times building in Times Square, which kind of looks like an inverse Flatiron? Built by Fuller. Macy's in Herald Square? Also built by Fuller. As well as the Plaza Hotel near Central Park.
This book had so many stories about New York City and its turn of the century Real Estate industry, most of which I've never heard. This is a great book for learning about how the New York of most people's dreams was built by a few powerful companies. It's full of colorful characters, infidelity, union troubles, and much more. And, of course, you learn about the genesis of the Flatiron and what it means to New Yorkers.
Although this book is the story of the Flatiron, even more is it the story of the people who envisioned it, built it, and managed it. It's really the story of one Harry Black, the President of the Fuller Company, which constructed the Flatiron.
Many people probably know that the Flatiron was once officially known as the Fuller building, but I, for one, didn't know a thing about the Fuller Company until now. Fuller, which later came under Harry Black's U.S. Realty trust, built not only the Flatiron, but many other iconic New York buildings. The Times building in Times Square, which kind of looks like an inverse Flatiron? Built by Fuller. Macy's in Herald Square? Also built by Fuller. As well as the Plaza Hotel near Central Park.
This book had so many stories about New York City and its turn of the century Real Estate industry, most of which I've never heard. This is a great book for learning about how the New York of most people's dreams was built by a few powerful companies. It's full of colorful characters, infidelity, union troubles, and much more. And, of course, you learn about the genesis of the Flatiron and what it means to New Yorkers.
June 7, 2011
The Flatiron is the story of the Flatiron building that sits on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Alexious does not only discuss the building of the Flatiron but she also discusses the history of skyscrapers and the people behind the building.
The Flatiron is also known as the Fuller Building and it was named after George A. Fuller, the "father of the skyscraper." Fuller was an architect in New York City but moved to Chicago, where the building codes were less relaxed, so he could design and build skyscrapers. He founded the Fuller Company and after his death, his son-in-law, Harry Black ran the company. After buying the land the building sits on, Black decided to build a new company headquarters. The building was designed by architect, Daniel Burnham and it is in the Beaux-Arts style. It was a hit with the public and people dubbed it the Flatiron building, which was eventually made the official name. Architecture critics were not as enthusiastic about the building as the public but the Flatiron has become an icon of New York City.
For the rest of my review visit: http://nookstowersandturrets.blogspot...
August 23, 2015
Misleading Title, Disappointing Book
Although I was looking forward to reading this book as it was recommended by the Bowery Boys podcast, I was disappointed that the text did not live up to its title: The Flatiron: the New York Landmark and the Incomparable City that Arose with It. In truth, this book should have been titled Harry Black - The Man Who Built the Flatiron Building and His Story because this was really what the book turned out to be. And there's nothing wrong with that. Harry Black had an interesting story and is a man largely forgotten today despite all of his achievements. However, I was expecting more focus on the building, its history, residents, events, etc., hinted at in the introduction. There was a great deal of information about the design and construction of the building as well as it's earliest years which was satisfying. But once the building was completed, it was rarely only tangentially linked to the story that followed Harry Black beyond the building of the Flatiron. Even he lost interest in the building, always more focused on bigger, better, newer, and higher. Sadly, NOT the definitive work about the famous Flatiron building.
Although I was looking forward to reading this book as it was recommended by the Bowery Boys podcast, I was disappointed that the text did not live up to its title: The Flatiron: the New York Landmark and the Incomparable City that Arose with It. In truth, this book should have been titled Harry Black - The Man Who Built the Flatiron Building and His Story because this was really what the book turned out to be. And there's nothing wrong with that. Harry Black had an interesting story and is a man largely forgotten today despite all of his achievements. However, I was expecting more focus on the building, its history, residents, events, etc., hinted at in the introduction. There was a great deal of information about the design and construction of the building as well as it's earliest years which was satisfying. But once the building was completed, it was rarely only tangentially linked to the story that followed Harry Black beyond the building of the Flatiron. Even he lost interest in the building, always more focused on bigger, better, newer, and higher. Sadly, NOT the definitive work about the famous Flatiron building.
July 17, 2015
Another book about New York City which I picked up to browse for geographic details, but ended up engrossed. I, too, am now in love with The Flatiron, and dream of visiting. I wonder, since the penthouse was built, is there still a rooftop viewing area? Not generally a fan of architecture, Mrs. Alexiou has portrayed for me the humanity attached to steel and concrete (and terra cotta) through dramatic retelling from the gossip columns of America's Heyday. The fascinating lives of New York's, no the world's, most prominent citizens, the shapers of our nation, are recorded here. As are the trends of the time. Well written and researched - a true Good Read!
March 18, 2010
I didn't get to finish this (long story better left unsaid), but I did enjoy what I did read, especially because of my personal familiarity with the building. I was hoping it was going to be like the non-serial killer chapters of Devil in the White City, but that was probably asking too much. Although it's not at that level, it's an enjoyable read. The cast of characters that built and inhabited the Flatiron in its early days made it worth the time.
September 5, 2013
I am an elevator mechanic, I have to applaud how thoroughly and diligently researched this book is. Whether delving into union politics of the era or the personal lives and habits of the business leaders, workmen, politicians and tycoons described, Alexiou has done her homework. This is a very fine, impressive, informative book, and an absolute pleasure to read. Hard to put down, actually. I heartily recommend it.
August 25, 2010
Ostensibly an account of the design and construction of the Flatiron Building, this is also a chatty and informal history of New York society, show business, and real estate around the turn of the twentieth century, ranging as far afield as the Florida real estate bubble of the 1920s. It's entertaining and informative, and will probably interest anyone who enjoys architecture or New York City.
June 30, 2012
Absolutely entertaining.
On occasion the book's subtitle takes over and elucidates [seemingly forever] onthe Flatiron's builder's business dealings in the decades following the construction. Apparently more text was needed to flesh out the size of the book.
Never the less, it is most admirably written and highly informative.
All in all a very worthwhile addition to any Gothamite's library.
On occasion the book's subtitle takes over and elucidates [seemingly forever] onthe Flatiron's builder's business dealings in the decades following the construction. Apparently more text was needed to flesh out the size of the book.
Never the less, it is most admirably written and highly informative.
All in all a very worthwhile addition to any Gothamite's library.
January 11, 2016
It is possible that my rating is inflated based on my absolute love for both the city and the building. There is a good amount of repetition of facts and ideas. The history of the city and the country is embedded in the history of the building. It is done well and is very interesting to me but perhaps not to everyone.
September 16, 2010
A solid, reasonably-written read. It is really mostly about Black, the developer who built the Flatiron than anything else. It's kind of shallow/superficial, but not in a bad way ... and there is some interesting information in it.
February 14, 2014
Started off a lil' slow & factual, but got sillacious & interesting, in the second half, when the focus shifted to the soap opera that was Harry Black's life. Loved the personal connection the author had to the subject.
November 16, 2010
Loved this book. An interesting, behind-the-scenes tale of the iconic building and NYC history.
July 19, 2012
Great overview of the early 20th century skyscraper construction boom in New York and the people and politics involved with it.
October 27, 2013
Pretty good, more about the people involved with the building than the building itself, but interesting none-the-less.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews