Book Reviewed: One Times Square: A Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World, by Joe McKendry

Book Reviewed: One Times Square: A Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World, by Joe McKendry

A fine illustration of Times Square

This book is written and brilliantly illustrated by the meticulous work of author Joe McKendry. The lush watercolors and revealing illustrations takes us into America's crossroads. It is a visual feast for the readers and certainly a national treasure that millions of tourists love to visit and enjoy. This is a place where people gathered during happy times and sad times, and in summers and winters. The Square witnessed 1929 stock market collapse, celebration at the end of WWII, and New Year Eve's celebrations.

Times Square is a monument that lies at the junction of Seventh Avenue and Broadway, and One Times Square is the only surviving building since its humble beginnings in 1904. In early 1800s, Broadway was dirt road called Bloomingdale Road and the Square was a part of Eden Farm. Later carriage builders, livery stables and few coal yards moved into the area. In 1899 there was one theater, but in 1915, a rapid growth yielded 22 theaters. The book has beautiful illustrations of its beginnings all in lush water color paintings; when it was just a farm, and later developments at end of nineteenth century; the building of Times Square in 1904, the subway lines below the Times Square; Wrigley's Gum massive billboard in 1917; a 1926 illustration showing Paramount Studios, Loew's State Theater, and Hotel Claridge; a 1940 illustration of soldiers and sailors enjoying the areas entertainment venues before shipping out, and tourists enjoying themselves at Times Square in 2000. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the rich history of New York City, especially Times Square.