I Heart New York
If you are looking for a series to take your mind off the recession or put it in historical context, this is it: the PBS dvd series by Rick Burns, entitled New York (dvd 974.7 New).
Televised pre-911, the series provides great historical views of New York as well as the skyline to 2000. It begins in the 1600s when the city is a Dutch trading colony and follows New York's British, then post-revolutionary American history.The series offers academic commentary and also quotes letters, memoirs, and poetry.
Did you know that the wall from which Wall Street takes its name was built by slaves? Did you know that the Empire State building had barely enough tenants to keep it going when it first opened? Did you know that two big market crashes occurred in the 1800s, brought about in part by wild real estate speculation (hmmm...)
New York is candid about its historical troubles, such as the displacement of native peoples, tenement housing, and slave labour conditions leading to the Triangle shirtwaist factory fire, for example. Nevertheless, the city emerges as a unique entity enriched by its multi-ethnic history and community.
This series is a must see for travellers and history buffs.
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Gangs of New York (dvd fic gan) This intense film featuring Leonardi di Caprio, Cameron Diaz and Daniel Day Lewis as an unforgettable villian focuses on the squallor and crime in the Five Points district of New York at the turn of the last century (strong content). Read the non-fiction title Gangs of New York, which inspired the movie.
The Historical Atlas of New York City is an intriguing map-based look at the city.
Did you know that the 4th floor of the Castell Central Library has city maps and travel brochures, some of which may be signed out?