Book Reviewed: Old New York in Early Photographs, by Mary Black

Book Reviewed: Old New York in Early Photographs, by Mary Black

A rare collection of some of the oldest photographs of New York City

I am interested in the history of New York City, particularly Manhattan. There are several books on this topic that presents a good discussion of the history of the city, through photographs, as it evolved through 19th and 20th centuries. This book stands out as one of the few that goes as far back as 1853 with meticulously re-touched and upgraded pictures that are delightful for many enthusiasts like me. The book covers New York City from 1853-1901 with 196 wonderful photographs: You will find pictures of the great 1888 New York City Blizzard, Lincoln's funeral procession, historic buildings, and the whole works. French photographer Victor Prevost’s wax paper negatives made in 1853 and 1854, perhaps the oldest remaining view of the city, is included in this book. Some of my favorites include; Battery and East River waterfront area; the Broadway area north of 14th Street around Midtown Manhattan; East and West of Fifth Avenue area; Washington Square area and Central Park. In this book, you see people and life as the city passes through winters & summers, happy times & sad times. They are not just photographs but a cultural history of a city that never sleeps.