1 comments about New York Then and Now (Then & Now Thunder Bay).

1. Very dissapointed, ended up with this tiny little book I cannot see with out magnification. I will not buy another then-and-again books until I get dimentions of the book. This was 1/3rd the regular coffee table size.

5 comments about Old New York in Early Photographs.

1. This book features 196 carefully chosen photos from the New-York Historical Society, arranged by neighborhood from the Battery to the Bronx (though the emphasis is on Manhattan). These superb photos document the changing face of New York City -- not only the buildings (from mansions to shacks), but the people, clothing styles, and modes of transportation. A succinct description accompanies each, pointing out features of interest. Some focal points are presented in several photos taken years or decades apart. An excellent book for anyone who wants to really get a sense of the times.



2. If one desires a book of page-size, sterile photos of substantial structures (with minimal captions) this volume will certainly fill the bill. If, however, one prefers historical snapshots of people amidst the buildings or scenes of shacks or tenements, be forewarned that these are few and far between. Also, in number, the later-in-time pictures tend to predominate. Thus, if the viewer is looking to gaze a la Gangs of New York, some of the wordier texts provide much more appropriate photographic fodder.



3. The print quality of the photos in OLD NEW YORK IN EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS is quite good, better than most. And the quantity of the photographs is equally impressive. And that's about it for the positives.

   Arranged by neighborhood, the photos have little else to do with each other. There is no unifying theme holding the photos together. Not that every collection ought to have a theme as powerful as Jacob Riis' HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES, but these photos seem so haphazardly arranged. The scanty text doesn't even attempt to explain how the individual vignettes came about, or how it relates to the particiular time in New York's history that the photo was taken. And, of course, Manhattan is the only borough represented here. I suppose the citizens of the other four boroughs had yet to climb down from their trees and build fires, never mind operate cameras.

   Rocco Dormarunno from ooog-ooog Brooklyn




4. This was a good Old whatever book. I had been reading Edith Wharton and really wanted to see the old mansions of the wealthy New Yorkers. I did not see much of this in the book. But I enjoyed the pictures and the text.



5. Pictorial books like these are glorious time machines and invaluable primary resources. We are so fortunate that these pictures exist. The prints are crystal clear and detailed in that way only black and white photography can be. There is no greater joy that going down to Manhattan and finding the places photographed and seeing if anything has survived.

5 comments about New York City For Dummies (Dummies Travel).

1. This book was very helpful. I enjoyed the brief history of NYC and the simple easy descriptions of different sections of NYC.

   They have very good suggestions on Cabs, Subways, Buses, Eating, where to stay, suggested itineraries, etc. Loads and loads of contact information for museums and sights to see.

   Easy to follow index to look up anything you might want to do or need info on.




2. We loved this book! We especially liked the author's opinions. Our hotel was right on and so were the restaurants. We appreciated the fact that the author was opinionated.............who needs another book that simply lists all to see and do. We actually felt like real New Yorkers and not just tourists. Kudos Brian!



3. Make it this one if you are going to NY. I bought several books and this was the best laid out of all the books and it doesn't try to be a resource for ALL restaurants or ALL stores - it just gets to the best.
   
   I loved nearly every recommendation. The only one that I had a beef with was the "Kid friendly" rating of Mickey Mantles. Not sure how a small bowl of pasta for $10 and no sides is "kid friendly."



4. This is a terrible excuse for a guidebook. Its maps are blatantly incorrect: the subway map is a ballpark approximation, at best, and things in Central Park are not located where the map says they are, among others. Its attraction descriptions neglect crucial information about the details you actually need at the sites (the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty in particular), and the restaurant descriptions do not show the complete picture. I don't throw out books I dislike, but this one is going straight to the recycling bin.



5. Great book if you've never been to New York before. I found it extemely helpful in planning our trip with lots of advice and "secret" things I would never have seen or planned on. Has a lot about prices, places and pitfalls. The only thing I would have liked to see was some information on travel from the ports.

4 comments about 200 Waterfalls in Central and Western New York - A Finders' Guide.

1. "200 Waterfalls in Central & Western NY" is an especially well organized and presented recreational guide to a dazzling, beautiful, sometimes unexpected but always memorable assortment of natural waterfalls in NY. Maps, directions, time and effort required to reach them, as well as distinctive features of each waterfall are listed in this handy, convenient and highly practical vacationer's guide. If you are an outdoor enthusiast and planning to travel through the central and western regions of New York State, then begin planning your excursion's daily itinerary by browsing through the pages of Rich & Sue Freeman's "200 Waterfalls in Central & Western NY."
   The Midwest Book Review - Buhle's Bookshelf



2. Rich and Sue Freeman have come out with another must-have Finger Lakes guide book. This one, called "200 Waterfalls in Central & Western NY," is a well-done guidebook of accessible waterfalls complete with driving directions, access trails and photographs. Their descriptions include information and some historical notes. Whether a year round resident with out of town visitors or a summer resident, you will find this book a fine reference for area waterfalls. Mark this book as a good gift too.
   Leona Jensen, The Observer



3. 200 Waterfalls In Central & Western New York is an especially well organized and presented recreational guide to a dazzling, beautiful, sometimes unexpected but always memorable assortment of natural waterfalls in the New York area. Maps, directions, time and effort required to reach them, as well as the distinctive features of each waterfall are listed in this handy, convenient and highly practical vacationer's guide. If you are an outdoor enthusiast and planning to travel through the central and western regions of New York State, then begin planning your excursion's daily itinerary by browsing through the pages of Rich and Sue Freeman's 200 Waterfalls In Central & Western New York.



4. Well written book, nice to see Rich and Sue are doing well, I used to work with them at Eastman Kodak.

4 comments about Time Wearing Out Memory: Schoharie County.

1. Time marches on, but some cling to the past. "Time Wearing Out Memory: Schoharie County" is a look through countless black and white photographs through the history of a small rural county in the state of New York. The poignant photos serve as reminders to the American past and an inspiration for the future of the American dream, making "Time Wearing Out Memory: Schoharie County" a highly recommended addition to community library photography collections and anyone seeking a poignant coffee table book.



2. Beautifully and sensitively photographed, exquisitely printed record of the lost land of Schoharie, the Atlantis of the North.



3. This book is a must for anyone that has ever lived or have ancestors whom lived in this wonderful county! My parents who are in their 70's and 80's have thoroughly enjoyed it.



4. Fantastic book about the forgotten corners of the Catskills. Beautiful black and white photographs, made with a love and respect for the years gone by.Nostalgic and sad, but also fascinating that even neglect keeps these places harmonious and beautiful in their original design.

No comments about New York Style: Exteriors, Interiors, Details (Icons).

No comments about Time Out 1000 Things to Do in New York (Time Out Guides).

4 comments about Frommer's Memorable Walks in New York (Memorable Walks).

1. This is a super book packed with great information! Reid Bramblett, while working within the generally great guidelines of the Frommer's travel series, also brings out his quirky and appealing sense of humor and warmth. (I actually sought out this book because I had bought another guide he had written.) He tells these great stories about SoHo, for example, that make it more than just a listing of information.

   Like all the Frommer's guides, this provides great details on what to see, but encourages you to explore on your own as well. I have practically planned my trip around Reid's advice on the neighborhood walks, and this little book is a much more convenient and authentic way to experience New York than on a bus or something.

   Like I said, any Frommer's book is great. The extra bonus on this book is the author's humor and warmth.




2. My wife and I just returned from a great ten days in New York City where we made great use of this book. We both enjoy walking through cities, and this is a nice guide for suggested routes through the different neighborhoods and things to see along the way. It's a good jumping off point for exploring on your own as well. For example, on the Harlem walk the guide brushes past Marcus Garvey park, but with further exploration, you can climb to the top of the hill and get a good overview of the whole city as well as see where real people come to relax and play. Central Park is the same thing. The walking tour there walks you past the highlights, then you can explore from there. For fans of this type of travel, I'd suggest a full day in Central Park.
   
   On the downside, I would point out that only Manhattan is covered in the book with the other boroughs getting no coverage. As an introduction to the other boroughs, I would recommend a walk to and/or from Brooklyn over the Brooklyn Bridge. You can take the subway one of the ways if you like. The pedestrian walkway above the car deck is a boardwalk and you get views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, etc. We walked back at sunset which was very nice. While in Brooklyn, be sure to stop in someplace for some beer and a slice or two of pizza either at the famous Grimaldi's or another pizza place you find.



3. We recently returned from a trip to Manhattan and used this book (among others) to take a few self-guided walking tours. This book was easy to carry and filled with useful and fun information. The walks cover the following areas of Manhattan (but not the other burroughs): Lower Manhattan/Financial District, Chinatown, Jewish Lower East Side, SoHo, Greenwich Village Literary Tour, East Village, Midtown, Central Park, Upper West Side, Upper East Side -- nothing above the park. With those deficiencies in mind, we still found this guide useful and informative. It's well organized and includes info on nearby restaurants and transportation. Emphasis on the cultural, literary and political history of each area.



4. I had to return this product 3 TIMES! Each copy was missing the same pages. I eventually asked for a refund.

5 comments about The History and Stories of the Best Bars of New York.

1. Jef Klein sure knows how to put the reader in the story-or bar in this case - I thoroughly enjoyed "touring" the old glory days as well as the existing booths at some of the most interesting places NYC has to offer. I've made a list of which ones I plan to visit first- most notably the places with deep carpets, mood music, thick leather seats, soft lighting,and perhaps a celebrity or two (just for atmosphere). Thanks JK for a lovely evening! -RG



2. I had already heard these stories about the usual suspects ("21". King Cole Bar. Fraunces Tavern. The Algonquin Hotel.)... I was looking for other bars that aren't in every other book about famous NYC bars. Basically there are no bars here that are less than 20 years old. Which is sad, because these are amazing too, and have not been done to death. Where is Red Rock West Saloon in Chelsea, which is an amazing and gorgeous place to photograph (with fire-breathing barmaids)? Flute (W. 54th St location) which at one time was owned by Texas Guinan and was a speakeasy? The Ava Lounge, an art deco masterpiece on top of the Dream Hotel?
   
   Basically, this is a pretty good book if you want to read about bars you already know about, but it doesn't take any chances with the "new" generation of what, I think, are the real "Best Bars of New York" around.



3. Mr. Klein has done a remarkable job of bringing to life some of the most well known bars and restaurants of New York to life in this photographic collection. Revisit the glory days of historic New York with this title. Each bar or restaurant has its own individual chapter, detailing the history of the location through pictures and antidotes. This form allows a more intimate introduction for the reader, especially if you are not terribly familiar with the business.
   
   This is a must have for anyone's personal collection, would make a beautiful gift for those that enjoy a leisurely stroll through history with entertaining captions along with a healthy dose of beautifully taken photographs. This is one title I highly recommend.



4. So glad I bought this book and can think of several people it would make a great gift for. I plan to use it as the basis of a few tours of New York (though at this point in my life, I'll only be sipping water at the later stops). What a fun thing to do with out-of-town guests--and the book will make you an excellent tour guide, as it contains so many great stories. You can tell that the author, Jef Klein, is a former bartender and somebody who knows and loves New York. Her passion for these places is contagious--it makes you want to visit them...or maybe head to your neighborhood bar and become part of the lore. The photos by Cary Hazlegrove are also incredible, and one of the great things is that they're in black and white, which is so fitting for the book's sense of history.



5. I've only been to New York one time and that was for a short stay on business so I didn't have a lot of time to experience the nightlife in the "city that never sleeps." But, when I do go back, I will be armed and ready with a great reference tool, "Best Bars of New York", by Turner Publishing Group. This is a gorgeous, hardcover book, loaded with great photography along with stories and histories about some of the top nightspots in the Big Apple. The locations in this book aren't the trendy, here today-gone tomorrow type places, but rather the long-established businesses that are often off the beaten track and known only to the locals...but not anymore thanks to Jef Klein's fascinating research.
   
   Klein interviewed people at over 50 locations in preparation for his book, and the stories are truly mesmerizing. As a history buff who loves to visit local historical spots when I travel, Klein's book is the perfect offering, presenting clubs, taverns, and bars that have been around for decades, sometimes centuries! Klein doesn't give you just listings of establishments with notes on fare and prices...it's not a traveller's guide per se. Rather, Klein gives readers and inside and intimate look at the thirty bars that made the cut. You'll learn about the history of each one, and hear stories as if you were sitting barside, talking to the chatty barkeep.
   
   Liquor has been dispensed at 279 Water St since 1794. The site on the waterfront is now the Bridge Café. The site has a history that is colorful to say the least. It was formerly the site of a bordello in the 1850's. When it was purchased in 1979 by the current owners, basement excavation turned up artifacts dating to not long after the revolutionary War period! Today, the café is romantic and elegant, perhaps haunted by a ghost or two, but much more quite than it was a couple of hundred years ago.
   
   Chumley's is one of the more unique bars in the book...a former speakeasy, it has no name outside to identify itself, only the number "86" on the door...one of two doors with the same number, often leading to embarrassing mistakes. The bar had secret exits so its patrons could get out quickly during prohibition-era police raids. The bar was a popular spot among literary figures and the likes of Hemingway, Kerouac, Faulkner, Mailer, Steinbeck, and many others, all tipped a drink there.
   
   The building that is now home to the Corner Bistro has been there since 1827. It's become a West Village establishment that has been frequented by the famous including James Baldwin, Bobby Timmons, Miles Davis. Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro.
   
   In all, thirty bars are covered, from meeting places of the rich and powerful, to neighborhood hangouts, Jef Klein brings you all of their unique tales. Take this book with you on your next trip to New York and start your journey to all of these bars!
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson

4 comments about The House of Arden (New York Review Children's Collection).

1. Two 10-year-olds are the last survivors of a long line of english aristocrats.The family castle lies in ruins, but the children are determined to restore it to its former glory with the help of the long-lost family treasure. The task seems daunting, but they soon discover there's some intricate, powerful magic in the family crest.. Subsequently the treasure hunt hurtles along at breathtaking pace. The magic includes frequent trips into the turbulent (and dangerous) times of England's feudal past to discover the exact time and place where the treasure was hidden.. This book and it's sequel (or prequel?!) "Harding's Luck" can't be recommended enough. They are children's classics of the nicest kind - not the least bit sirupy - but full of adventure and magic



2. One of the delightful things about this book is that it treats children as thinking beings, yet still manages to contain all of the magic and adventure of childhood. As in all of her work, E. Nesbit tells an exciting story while encouraging the reader to consider the meaning of things. One of the best books written by one of the best children's writers of all time.



3. I got this and "Hardings Luck" one christmas about twentyfive years ago. These stories have stayed with me throughout my adult life and I have never forgotten how I was swept away by the stories. These books are educational while being simply spellbinding...my imagination went wild, back then. Absolutely a must!



4. I was hoping to read this book to my 7 year old boy. It was heavy for him and somewhat slow. The book requires maturity and sophisticated vocabulary, somehow it does not fit the pace at which our kids live now.
   
   It certainly can be appreciated by an older, more mature kid, who loves the English language. It is beautifully written.