Down 42nd Street: Sex, Money, Culture, and Politics at the Crossroads of the World

Marc Elliot's Down 42nd Street (Sex, Money, Culture, and Politics at the Crossoads of the World) may frustrate some history mavens looking for exact truth but will be a thrill to anyone who wants to read a book that truly captures the spirit of 42nd Street. The first part of the book is the historical buildup to the author's main playground, the years of fighting to fix the street from Lindsay to Giuliani (with a wonderful portrayal of Koch, for an added thrill) as the street moved from the Crossroads of the (Porn and Drug) World to a branch of the Disney franchise. The book does deliver the sex, money, culture, and politics of its subtitle, in very healthy doses. There are no startling revelations only many, many small thrills, much like the street itself. An enjoyable read.

You can almost hear the actual beat of New York's 42nd Street in this finely articulated reading by the author. You surely learn a great deal about the history of this fabled avenue of broken dreams that was once home to mob rule, illicit sex, on-the-take politicos, and glamorous denizens of the theatre both above and below ground. Today it has morphed into a family playground boasting clean entertainment. The only Xs to be seen are where children stand to have their pictures taken. "Down 42nd Street" opens in the 1890s when the Big Apple saw elegant townhouses and the emergence of Wall Street and entertainment moguls. As the new century dawned 42nd Street had become a business district to the east, and the home of show business to the west. The aftermath of World War II saw the west side of the Street descend into drug dealer's turf with violent crime an everyday occurrence and prostitutes at the ready. Both fascinating and informative "Down 42nd Street" is quite a trip! - Gail Cooke

If you are a history buff or always wanted to know what has happened in New York City-you need to check out this easy to read book. It talks about the history of 42nd Street from the theaters to politics. Very enjoyable read.