This the author's second book, the first was devoted to modern buildings in London (published in 2018). Actually, modern refers to structures stretching back for some decades. The first chapter, the 1920s, starts with Raymond Hood's 1924 American Radiator Building. The 1930s produced iconic New York architecture: 40 Wall Street; Chrysler and Empire State Buildings; Rockefeller Center; World's Fair (though, only for two years) and remarkably these were all erected during the American Depression years.
The book continues up to 2010 and I think one of the strengths of the pages are illustrations of buildings that may not be famous but are architecturally interesting and create worthwhile illustrations. The pictures are all head-on renderings with added shadows that give them a dimensional feel. My only criticism is that the buildings just end at their bottom. I would have preferred to see some indication of a pavement and maybe some street furniture to complete the pictures.
Each building gets a facts and figures essay, the author seems to have done a ton of research and he writes in a lively conversational style. A really nice touch are what might be called visual sidebars that look at New York transport. Obviously yellow cabs but also police cars, busses, trains, helicopters, planes, ferries and more. Each gets in illustration and a comprehensive caption.
The beautiful illustrations create a fresh look at this amazing city. I would suggest Mr Novotny's next book should be Los Angeles.
US
UK
