New York, the City that Never Sleeps, one of the great metropolises (or is it metropoleis?) of the world, has, unsurprisingly, received plenty of attention from writers of all kinds. There is certainly no shortage of books dedicated to its boroughs, its history, its architecture, and its protagonists, whether famous or less known. So what is it that makes Kevin Dann’s book stand out?

In Enchanted New York, Dann gives us an alternative and esoteric history of the Big Apple, one shaped by a coterie of mavericks ranging from Freemasons to magicians, occultists to scientists dabbling in cryptozoology and spiritualism. Split in seven chapters, the book follows a roughly chronological sequence from the inauguration of the George Washington in 1789, to the present and beyond. In the course of his account, however, Dann examines different themes and provides a wealth of anecdotes linking the specific subjects to the city’s locations.

The result is an intriguing book which can be read in one stretch or dipped into at leaisure, a portrait of New York City which, probably, even most of its inhabitants will find surprising and unfamiliar.

I live in NYC, and one of the reasons I love it is how much history there is just under the surface. It's not Rome, where the Coliseum is just right there in the center of town-- it's hidden history, buried in books and under buildings and behind old doors. This great, incredibly researched book absolutely brought some of that history into the light. I know a lot about these subjects already, but most of what Dann uncovered was new to me. I highly recommend this book if you're a lover of history, and particularly a lover of New York.

After reading this book, you will never see New York the same way again. The writing is a bit dry, but the information is enchanting and will keep you spellbound from the start until The End. I could not put this book down. A definite Five Star #MustRead if you love New York.

Enchanted New York really doesn't leave anything out, written in such a fluid way that seamlessly goes through events and facts bringing out the magic within one of the most internationally recognized places. Filled with maps and figures it is easy to follow through even if you don't have a great geographical understanding of the place. After reading this you will not be able to see New York the same way.

Enchanted New York is a really interesting look at history and locations of Manhattan through the lens of its relationship to magic in all its historical forms. From magnetism to spiritualism, fortune telling to Free Masons and beyond, Dann's book is an interesting way of viewing Manhattan in a new and dynamic way that brings to life an enchanting past (and present). The book is broken down by topic and then by location, which provides a great mix of micro-stories for each location that all connect into broader themes. All of these different stories were quite interesting to read about, and I found the content to be well-researched and intriguing. My main qualm was just that the book was a bit slow to get through. It's best suited to be casually flipped through from time to time, rather than being a book one reads straight through. For that, I found it to be great. But as a book to read from front-to-back, it just didn't hold my attention for too long. That being said, those who love Manhattan and its history will certainly find an interesting side to the city in this book, and I'd highly recommend it to those looking to see the city in a new and magical way.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Enchanted New York.

I love magic; magic stories, magic movies, anything that deals with the magical and occult, I'm all in!

Enchanted New York really appealed to me as a born and bred New Yorker. The author draws upon the esoteric and unusual, the imaginative and the hucksters, at a time when New York was the land of opportunity, greed and capitalism.

Copious research went into this book as the author reveals tons of facts about people and places, famous landmarks and just as many famous people.

I'm not surprised at New York's magical history; it is one of the greatest cities in the world.

And, I'm not just saying that because I love my hometown.

The writing was good, but the tone was drier than I expected.

If you enjoy reading about a city's occult history, pick up Enchanted New York.

Enchanted New York Book is written as a tour through a past throughout the time in New york. Especially in nostalgic areas while going through different areas, with actions of state specific ( Like the American revolution time), philosophical and magic wise of New York also esoteric, supernatural and unexplainable. Also politics, science, mesmerism, phrenology, pseudoscience, ouija boards and their inventions physiognomy, divination otherworldy spirits. This Book got a bit out of hand in criticizing other people, their inspiration for their craft or characters.

This book explores New York City’s magical history, spanning three centuries from 1879 to 1981. New York City has mystified its visitors and natives over the years for its orphic qualities. There is an energy present here that is unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s both spellbinding and intriguing. You can’t help but wonder if there is something bewitching hiding behind the doors of its skyscrapers or if the sidewalks have been imprinted with spells from an ancient grimoire? You cannot deny that New York City is a special city, with an enchanting history that this book sets out to explore.

Various communities and individuals over the years made New York City home for its magical endeavours. Whether they were for personal gain or to bring about some great change in the world, the city became home to those seeking some greater power. NYC seemed to be a lightning rod for the arcane, the occult, and the peculiar. If a person had a magical practice, chances were, they eventually found their way to the city.

The author included a map of Manhattan that depicts it from a magical perspective, which was unique and helpful. There are boundless facts and interesting bits of information about various groups and individuals and the magical work they were performing in a city that was fertile with enchantment. Readers will recognize many famous names and landmarks, and will probably be surprised at their occultic history.

New York City is place where people go to manifest their deepest dreams. There is something about it being a “land of opportunity” that makes it seem like it’s been especially consecrated for that purpose. It’s a city like any other city in the sense that there are tall buildings, and lots of people hustling and bustling, but its energy inspires seekers, dreamers, and opportunists to take their spectral ideas and turn them into something real and tangible. How magical is that?

A fascinating read for lovers of New York City or for those interested in the history of magic.