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3.0
‘This book sets out to be the story of the decade in which New York rose to become the cultural, artistic and financial powerhouse of the United States.’
I’ve read a few books about New York over the years. My main focus has either been on the history of the city, on some of the inhabitants, or on some of the iconic buildings. I was intrigued by the description of this book, by its focus on the 1930s.
Is the 1930s the most significant decade in New York’s 400-year history? I guess it depends on how (and by whom) significance is measured. Mr Stewart certainly makes a strong case for the importance of the 1930s, and I found sections of the book – especially the discussion of Fiorello La Guardia’s role as mayor, and the role of Robert Moses – fascinating. While I had some awareness of the war waged on the mafia mobs during this period, and against political corruption I knew very little about most of the infrastructure projects undertaken.
And it wasn’t just building and infrastructure which changed the face of New York. Waves of migration had their impact on the city, as did cultural change. Where else in the world would religious Jewish Sabbath observance take place around the corner from a Hell’s Angels clubhouse?
I hope to visit New York one day, and see some of the iconic buildings mentioned for myself. In the meantime, I’ll settle for reading more about Fiorello La Guardia and Robert Moses. And whenever I listen to Duke Ellington, I’ll think of New York.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and I.B.Tauris for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
I’ve read a few books about New York over the years. My main focus has either been on the history of the city, on some of the inhabitants, or on some of the iconic buildings. I was intrigued by the description of this book, by its focus on the 1930s.
Is the 1930s the most significant decade in New York’s 400-year history? I guess it depends on how (and by whom) significance is measured. Mr Stewart certainly makes a strong case for the importance of the 1930s, and I found sections of the book – especially the discussion of Fiorello La Guardia’s role as mayor, and the role of Robert Moses – fascinating. While I had some awareness of the war waged on the mafia mobs during this period, and against political corruption I knew very little about most of the infrastructure projects undertaken.
And it wasn’t just building and infrastructure which changed the face of New York. Waves of migration had their impact on the city, as did cultural change. Where else in the world would religious Jewish Sabbath observance take place around the corner from a Hell’s Angels clubhouse?
I hope to visit New York one day, and see some of the iconic buildings mentioned for myself. In the meantime, I’ll settle for reading more about Fiorello La Guardia and Robert Moses. And whenever I listen to Duke Ellington, I’ll think of New York.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and I.B.Tauris for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
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