New York City - by George J Lankevich (Paperback)

About the Book

Previously published as An American Metropolis, this book is a punchy, definitive history of New York and has been updated to include new material on the Giuliani administration and the events of September 2001.

Book Synopsis

An exploration into what America was, is, and can become through the lens of the rapidly changing American metropolis

From its origins as a primitive Dutch outpost to the sprawling urban complex it is today, the defining characteristic of New York has been constant, dramatic, and rapid change.

Formerly published as An American Metropolis, this new edition features a new preface in which Lankevich discusses the impact of the events of September 11 on the city, as well as an updated final chapter on the Giuliani administration. By understanding the history of New York, we obtain a vital sense of what America was, is, and can become.

Review Quotes

"A splendid work of history that expands our understanding and appreciation of New York City . . . a concise, clear, and meaningful guidebook covering New York's long past."-- "Journal of American History"

"Here, as in New York itself, may be found everything and everyone, from the first inept Dutch leader, William Verhulst, to the number of saloons in 1820, to the budget debacles of the 1970s."-- "The New York Times Book Review"

"Lankevich has done the near-impossible and packed almost four centuries of New York City into one slim history . . . a deft survey."-- "New York History"

About the Author

George J. Lankevich has written more than thirty books, has contributed many articles to The Encyclopedia of New York City, and is the author of Postcards from Times Square, Postcards from Manhattan, and New York City: A Short History (NYU Press). Professor emeritus of history at Bronx Community College, he lives in Manhasset, New York.