The Epic of New York City: A Narrative History

It was a pleasure to read, more thrilling than most novels I've run across. Since it was published more than 40 years ago it doesn't include any of New York City's most recent history (which might be a good thing), however it is a great book for someone wanting to know about the foundation and development of one of the most interesting cities in the world, told by a man who spent most of his life being an active part of it. Ellis has a great control over the importance he gives to subjects, having to choose extracts from one of the longest kept diaries in the world he has a huge discipline for choosing important events over gossip and anecdotic situations. Perfectly researched, with a quite impartial and objective view of things. It should be an obligation to read it before being allowed into the city.

I thoroughly love this book. I purchased the book from the local library and have been happy ever since to have it in my library. I am also very happy to have a first edition copy with almost perfect dust jacket. I have read and re-read this remarkable history. It is because of this book, that I fell in love with history, particularly American history and that was over 20 years ago. Some of the reviewers may not be completely happy with this book, but who cares, I am. Thank you Mr. Ellis.

This is an excellent work for any student of New York City.It recites the history dating back to the 1600s and marchingforward. The thrust of the book is good. The author attemptsto tell the long history of the city throughout some keyperiods of the American experience. This book would bevery useful to any student writing a book report on theCity of New York. There are so many facts recited that afew may be in error. The work is a "must read" for studentsof government, history, world culture, city planning and ahost of other academic specializations.

As several other reviewers have noted, this book was published in 1966 and so it doesn't contain any recent history. Nonetheless, it's an excellent introduction to NY from it's founding in the early 1600s to the 1960s.I disagree with the reviewer who said that there are no colorful characters in this narrative and that the narrative is boring -- I found the book full of interesting characters (politicians like Boss Tweed, reporters such as William Randolph Hearst, and influential people like John Jacob Astor). Moreover, I found the narrative engaging enough to make it difficult to put down at times.My only complaint is that the editing job is shabby. Not so much with typos or grammatical errors, but the sentence structure and the narrative flow is a bit awkward at times. Every now and again, Ellis will switch gears without any warning or explanation. It gets a bit frustrating.Also, there are NO maps in this book. I used 4 different contemporary maps -- 2 for Manhattan/Queens, 1 for Brooklyn, 1 US map (for references to Boston, DC, and the south). At a minimum, you'll need a Manhattan street map and a NY state map to accompany your reading.

There are many newer. more contemporary histories of NYC--but, especially if you are interested in the early twentieth century period, this is still the best overview. Especially good for those who are intrigued by NYC but have a scant knowledge of its history.