**"Inside the Dream Palace: The Life and Times of New York's Legendary Chelsea Hotel"** by Sherill Tippins is a detailed and evocative exploration of the Chelsea Hotel, one of New York City's most iconic and storied buildings. Known for its rich history and vibrant artistic community, the Chelsea Hotel has been a backdrop for numerous cultural and artistic movements over the years.

### Key Themes and Plot Points:

1. **Historical Background**: The book delves into the history of the Chelsea Hotel, from its opening in 1884 as one of the first residential hotels in New York City to its evolution into a haven for artists, musicians, and writers. Tippins provides a comprehensive overview of the building's development and its significance in New York City's cultural landscape.

2. **Cultural and Artistic Hub**: The Chelsea Hotel became renowned for its role as a creative haven for many influential artists and intellectuals. Tippins details the stories of famous residents, including Leonard Cohen, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, and Arthur Miller, among others. The hotel was a place where artists from various fields intersected, and their presence contributed to its reputation as a bohemian enclave.

3. **Notable Events and Anecdotes**: Tippins recounts numerous anecdotes and notable events that took place at the Chelsea Hotel. These include both dramatic incidents, such as the infamous murder of Nancy Spungen, and everyday moments that capture the eccentricities and vibrancy of life at the hotel.

4. **Architectural and Social Impact**: The book also explores the architectural features of the Chelsea Hotel and how they reflect its role in shaping New York City’s social and cultural history. Tippins examines how the hotel's design and layout contributed to its unique atmosphere and its appeal to creative individuals.

5. **The Decline and Transformation**: As the Chelsea Hotel faced changes in ownership and financial difficulties, its character began to shift. Tippins discusses the challenges the hotel faced in maintaining its storied legacy while adapting to new realities. The narrative covers the transition from its peak as an artistic hub to its struggles in the face of modernization and commercialization.

6. **Legacy and Influence**: *Inside the Dream Palace* reflects on the lasting impact of the Chelsea Hotel on the artistic and cultural fabric of New York City. Tippins assesses how the hotel's history has influenced perceptions of bohemian life and its place in the broader narrative of American art and culture.

In summary, *Inside the Dream Palace* by Sherill Tippins is a richly detailed account of the Chelsea Hotel’s remarkable history. Through its exploration of the hotel's role as a cultural and artistic epicenter, Tippins provides insight into the lives of its notable residents, the hotel’s architectural significance, and its enduring legacy in New York City's vibrant cultural history.

I waited until this week to start reading "Inside the Dream Palace," perhaps proving only to myself that years of procrastination can pay off because the ARC is a digital treasure I finally uncovered.

This award-winning history of the Chelsea, published in 2013, is much more than the place itself. It's about people, and as a longtime student of American history, I was most interested in reading about William Dean Howells.

I've never read a word written by the novelist, literary critic and playwright, but I read every word "Dream Palace" author Sherill Tippins wrote about Howells championing Stephen Crane after reading "Maggie: A Girl of the Streets," a work of realism I found far more captivating than Crane's masterpiece, "The Red Badge of Courage."

Books are fully of surprises, and I never expected to see Howells appear in "Dream Palace" and I enjoyed reading about his connection to Crane. I never knew about that,

Props to Tippins for the depth, richness and elegance of language she brings to "Dream Palace" and thanks to Mariner Books and NetGalley for the ARC.