Central Park, An American Masterpiece: A Comprehensive History of the Nation's First Urban Park

this is a great book. not only lots of pictures but the story, drama, politics, creative genius, and technical innovation that went into the creation of central park is a fascinating story. i purchased this as a gift to a dear friend with whom i spent many happy memories in central park a very long time ago. so before boxing it up, i thought i'd look at the pix and just skim some of the text. but then i couldn't put it down. so well written.

I initially bought this book for the photos and to help me with little known facts about Central Park for my company's annual scavenger hunt (which I've won both years!). This book is chock full of history and trivia that is amazingly dense as well as beautiful photos of CP. I really found it all in this book. I am learning so much that I am taking my time getting into it. I found out that my favorite part (the mall) was meant to be the center 'crown jewel' of the Park and funny I always sensed it was! If you are at all interested in the park, this is a great educational tool.

Overall, this book met all of my expectations. Beautifully illustrated. The only aspects I would have liked to see more of were more pictures of Central Park during its ongoing phases of landscaping and lists of trees and shrubbery planted. Other than that it was a great read and a wonderful learning experience.

If you are at the level of consciousness where you walk around Central Park with a sense of wonder and awe,thus book is for you....a finely detailed astonishingly detailed "all there is to know" book on the miraculous Central Park.If you are just curious and can never journey to and inside the park this book is equally important to those who are inspired by committed brilliance.

Excellent history of my favorite park - Central Park. Beautiful photos and great stories .

If there is any interest at all in Central Park, this is the definitive book about it. I became interested after reading a mystery that took place in the Park and had many descriptions of parts of the Park. When I received this book, I placed myself in the park to a much greater extent than was possible without it. Enjoy it as I have.

Beautiful book with stunning pictures. Perfect gift!

If you know someone who loves Central Park, then this is the perfect gift. Beautiful book filled with its completehistory.

Love the book - excellent information and history. Beautiful pictures. Now need a week in the park to walk through and appreciate what I have just read.Barb

Central Park reigns supreme as the world's greatest urban park and by a very long way. To find, explore, relax in and experience the verdant exuberances of this large island of calm and serenity surrounded by towering edifices, cacophonous noises, and maddening milling humanity is truly wonderous.The author, a photographer and official historian for The Central Park Conservancy has produced a captivating story of this green miracle complemented by her photographs, and original plans and drawings.If you cannot get to visit Central Park, and everyone should try if humanly and economically possible, then this publication is next best.

Excellent book. Well written, well researched. Great photos. Would highly recommend as a gift idea.

Excellent book - as comprehensive an overview of the park as I've seen.