New York Art Deco: A Guide to Gotham’s Jazz Age Architecture

If someone mentions New York City and the words “art deco” in the same sentence, one is almost certain to think of the beautiful Chrysler Building. The art deco style, recognizable through its bold, geometric lines and patterns, became a prominent feature of buildings constructed during the Jazz Age in the 1920s and 1930s in New York. Not only were buildings designed in the style but so too were doors, light fixtures, floors, signage, lobbies, mailboxes, and much more. Examples can be found all over New York City, if only one knows where to look. This wonderful book not only gives a good introduction to the art form with information on who the architects were, how advertising was influenced, and more, but it goes on to outline fifteen itineraries that will allow readers to tour New York City on their own and view hundreds of fine examples of art deco at its best. These itineraries include clear directions, good maps, lots of wonderful photographs, both color and black and white, and well-written, thorough write-ups of each site. For those who appreciate art deco and have an opportunity to visit New York City, this book will be a treasure.