A History of New York in 101 Objects

Full disclosure - I love New York but have become somewhat jaded on recent visits. The crumbling infrastructure requiring 24/7 construction blocks movement both vehicular and pedestrian (I know this is not only NY but everywhere, but seems more concentrated there), and the human congestion is worse than ever. But I love reading about that city, from across the country, safely. Patterned after Neil MacGregor's A History of the World in 100 Objects, Roberts uses his choices as jumping off points for essays on the City and its development. For instance, a chapter titled "To City Signs" leads to a discourse on the Manhattan-centric attitude prevalent among "Outer Boroughs," despite disparity in populations. Granted, Mr. Roberts admits his list is subjective, and he gives almost as much attention to the black and white cookie as to a jar of dust from the fallen Towers. Some entries are both hilarious and informative (i.e., Pooper Scooper). Although I read it through, this book can be experienced in nips, and I intend to return to enjoy the City. From afar.

This is a quick, enjoyable read with a bit of nostalgia for good measure. Each of the 101 items is accompanied by a large photo and very readable text. You will find many very popular objects have been included and, in the epilogue, the author mentions some that were not and he even invites readers to send him more ideas.

I so enjoyed this book. It was an absolute pleasure to read. Roberts dedicates two or three pages to each of the 101 objects and it's the perfect nightstand book. The reader can commit to as little as a few pages a night before heading off to sleep, or read on and on and on . . . Some quibble about the objects selected for the book, but I think it's a great list and anyone who's lived in New York (or, just loves New York) will really appreciate.

Some of the items are obscure and of relatively little importance in the history of the region. I was born in the Bronx, went to high school in Brooklyn and lived in Queens. I worked in Long Island City and traveled extensively around the city. I do have a standard of comparison. The book has occasional flashes of insight and unique perspective but many of its choices seem arbitrary or incomprehensible.

It was a gift

Clever idea -- well written. Enjoyable LIGHT reading.

Pretty decent size not too big and not too small not heavy either

Interesting bu quirky in its selections.

Le produit correspond à nos attentes . Il a été livré comme convenu et rapidement dans un emballage parfait .Livre à lire par petite touche. Le choix de chaque objet est décrit en deux pages. NY est vu différemment. Merci