Member Reviews

Lots of great illustrations and photos, as well as an interesting collection of articles. No one book can probably ever really sum up NYC, but this comes as close as you might hope.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

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The Encyclopedia of New York by the Editors of NY Magazine is a fascinating look into the world of New York from its everyday person to the exotic. It is packed with all sorts of information that is both fascinating as well as “what were they doing, and why?” I really enjoyed looking through and reading many parts of this book and would recommend it to others.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

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I received a copy of the book from Netgalley to review. Thank you for the opportunity.
A fascinating and informative book that was clearly crafted with a lot of care and love. The writing is good and the book is well laid out, perfect for a coffee table.
A good read.

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Wow, I love this! It’s such a standard NYC apartment coffee table book. The photos and aesthetic overall are fun and beautiful. I learned some interesting things too and I’m a native (sadly relocated) New Yorker. Makes me miss it so much more.

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A concise summary of the things that make the city the city, but also how the world was shaped by city New Yorkers or in the city and its environs.

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I loved this book because it made me travel to New York and discover facts and stories.
It's well researched, informative and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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What a beautiful inspiring and intense collection of a history of New York.. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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I don't know how to put into words the delight that this book has brought me.

New York is a city like no other, and this book pays brilliant and beautiful homage to the city through discussing the innovations that have come out of its five boroughs. "The Encyclopedia of New York" would make a wonderful holiday gift to your favorite New York appreciator, whether someone like myself who has adopted the city as their own or someone who loves the city from afar.

While the bulk of the book is formatted as an encyclopedia (as the title indicates), there are plenty of sidebar features, such as a list of "The City's Best Comic Book Stores" chosen by comic-book artist Fred Van Lente, "The Essential Hip-Hop Playlist," chosen by New York Magazine's music critic, and even a recipe for a classic NYC mac & cheese. Also noteworthy is the book's introduction, which discusses New York's (and New Yorkers') tenacity and resilience, particularly poignant amidst the coronavirus crisis and headlines speculating on whether the city is "over."

What a treat it will be to add "The Encyclopedia of New York" to a bookshelf or coffee table.

Thank you so much to Avid Reader Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.

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A beautifully published and very well-thought-out lexicon of things and events related to New York.

This is not a book that you only buy because it will look nice on your living room table. This is one of those you enjoy reading a lot. It is full of fascinating biographies and extraordinary stories of ordinary things. Amazing stories about things that you know well and the ones you never heard about. And it’s not only for New York fans. It is also a great book for all those who like interesting facts and anecdotes. This book is full of information that you won't find in any travel guide.

The individual entries are short and encourage you to read them in random order. If you are one of those people who, like me, enjoy reading a few such short titbits every day for a longer time, you will be satisfied. The entries are short and varied so there is no fear that you will get bored with one topic. And we have a little bit of everything here - sports, art, cuisine, history, social affairs, everyday things. Everyone will find something for themself. And all this is accompanied by beautiful photos matching the entries. As for me, I was especially interested in the history of well-known dishes like Baked Alaska.

But most of all, all the stories are told so well. With a hint of irony and a wink to the reader. If you think these are boring encyclopaedic entries with a bunch of dull facts and statistics, then you will be really surprised. I found even topics that normally don't interest me (such as sports events) fascinating. It is more of a collection of interesting, colourful stories. And then there are these fun notes in the margins where we'll learn everything from where the best seats are in the Yankee Stadium to the Horn & Hardart's Macaroni and Cheese recipe.

This is a really great book, which I will definitely come back to, if only to see these beautiful photos again.

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As a New Yorker myself, I was fascinated to learn the history behind some of our most iconic landmarks as well as ordinary occurrences. From Broadway to SoHo to Scrabble, Willamsburg, and the bridges, the Encyclopedia of New York offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of our city.

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Delightful compendium for locals and outsiders alike. Encompasses all of the legendary things that have developed in or come out of New York. Would recommend.

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As a New York native Inloved this book.A book packed with info about this multi cultural melting pot.The description of the food the bagels the delis.A treasure trove of thingsI love about New York.,#netgalley#avidpress

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Whether you live in New York, have visited or, would just like to know more about this city, this eclectic title may pique your interest. In it, the editors of the iconic New York Magazine share all sorts of information on this metropolis.

The introduction points out the ways in which Manhattan has constantly adapted and changed. For example, as the editors point out, South Street once contained warehouses while Soho had factories. Now, these neighborhoods are filled with trendy shops and restaurants. Industries changed also; once there were no longer so many factories other industries thrived here including publishing and finance. And so it goes, in this constantly evolving city. Get to know it through this title which takes innovation as its theme.

The book is arranged with alphabetical entries. so, for example, A has everything from Abstract Expressionism (which began here), to the Algonquin Round Table to the Automat and more. There are so many entries in this book. Readers can go in order or dip in and out. They will find something interesting wherever they land. Just a couple of others from the beginning of the alphabet are Big Bird and the Crossword puzzle.

This book would make a good gift for anyone who loves the city or wants to know more about it. With its many illustrations and entries, it is an entertaining read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

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Beautiful and full of fascinating knowledge. Perfect for newcomers, tourists, and everyone in love with New York City. You will find entries on a mind-blowing range of topics: from the 9/11 Era to Punk to Sitcoms and finally the food: Bagels, Donuts, Pastrami Sandwich and many, many more treats. Texts are enriched with wonderful photos and illustrations. For readers looking for more practical tips, there are many footnotes with lists of places to visit or movies to watch.

Thanks to the publisher, Avid Reader Press, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book.

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A hilarious and personal review of New York with a bunch of accessible inside jokes for any reader. A great intro to New York for anyone who is looking to learn more about the city.

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