A History of New York in 27 Buildings

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As New York prepares to celebrate its four hundredth anniversary, a New York Times correspondent narrates the city's evolution through its architecture, highlighting why it became the nation's largest and most influential metropolis. From approximately seven hundred thousand buildings, twenty-seven are chosen for their emblematic significance in the city's economic, social, and political development over four centuries. The narrative delves into the stories behind these structures, exploring their lasting impact on the city and the global repercussions of their construction. While iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building are featured, the author also uncovers lesser-known tales of the personalities and events that shaped these architectural feats. The selection includes diverse structures, from the city's oldest bridge to the Coney Island Boardwalk, and reveals unexpected sites such as the original meeting place of the United Nations General Assembly, a hidden hub of global internet traffic, and a factory in a struggling neighborhood that produced billions in currency. Additionally, it examines the buildings that precipitated the Great Depression and catalyzed the New Deal. With a wealth of knowledge and engaging facts, the author illuminates the remarkable history, architecture, and promising future of this extraordinary city.