I Never Knew That About New York

March 1, 2014

Most people will acknowledge that New York City is kind of a big deal. Many know that it's bursting with historic national treasures. But just how many, and in what close proximity to one another, may surprise even the most seasoned New York trivia buff. This guide starts at the southern tip of Manhattan, where Giovanni de Verrazano was the first European to set eyes on the island in 1524, and works its way north, block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood. The centuries fly by, bringing with them colonial churches, 19th-century mansions, the advent of the skyscraper, and 1950s bohemian hangouts. Television and theater producer/quiz master Winn (I Never Knew That About London) does an excellent job of cataloging the sights and stories of hundreds of years with just enough detail to spark curiosity. The whole thing is a bit heavy in tone, but the delicate and detailed illustrations by his wife, Mai Osawa, lighten the mood and keep the book flowing smoothly from Battery Park to the Cloisters. VERDICT Comprehensive, fascinating, and thoughtfully laid out, this is a great read for the armchair tourist and pavement pounder alike.--Emilia Packard, Austin, TX

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