Who could have dreamed, when Peter Minuit traded a few trinkets for Manhattan back in 1626, that this little island on the outer reaches of civilization would one day be the world's center of shipping, finance, theater, culture, architecture, and diplomacy? Through the tireless work and unbounded optimism of a few wealthy dreamers and a few million immigrant workers, this rocky, swampy islet at the mouth of the Hudson River was transformed into today's axis of world capitalism?a dazzling metropolis of soaring skyscrapers and great city parks, magnificent museums and professional sports teams, epicurean restaurants and intricate subway systems.
Eminent photographer Carol M. Highsmith has captured the essence of Manhattan in a stunning new collection of over one hundred city portraits, ranging from breathtaking panoramas of the celebrated skyline to close-ups of architectural details. Her camera sweeps across the city, pausing at the magnificent stainless-steel Art Deco Chrysler Building, the twin towers of the World Trade Center, Rockefeller Center, and other architectural landmarks, then traversing Manhattan's eclectic neighborhoods to discover the heartbeat of this urban wonderland. Ted Landphair's compelling account of the history of Manhattan, illustrated throughout with historical photographs, provides the perfect complement to Highsmith's contemporary photography. The crisp, lively introduction and captions reveal little-known facts and anecdotes about the city.
Manhattan: A Photographic Tour captures the island of Manhattan in all its cocky vigor, beauty, and trendsetting sophistication. It is the perfect souvenir of a memorable visit, and the ideal gift for anyone who savors unforgettable architecture, unsurpassed culture, and fascinating diversity.