Art of Play - Wonder by Design

Unknown New York

Unknown New York - Main image
$12.5 $25 In stock

Category: Architecture

An intrepid and gifted artist uncovers and illustrates more than 100 surprising, enchanting, and sometimes downright bizarre nooks and crannies that make New York such a compelling city.

It’s no surprise that New York City is the most visited destination in the U.S., and has proved itself to be an endlessly fascinating exploration ground to visitors and natives alike. Unknown New York walks readers through the vibrant, hidden, and forgotten worlds churning beneath the surface of the city. From the oldest bridge — a footbridge described as a “red sidewalk through the sky” — to a quirky and little-known Superhero Supply Store in Brooklyn to the original and abandoned Hall of Fame in the Bronx, the author takes us on a magical mystery tour through the city many people think they know. 

Each entry presents a brief and compelling description of a hidden park, historical site, niche shop, etc and is accompanied by a charming four-color illustration by the author.

Divided into chapters titled Hidden History, Humble Parks, On the Street, Shopping Spree, Quiet Realms, Central Park, and Excusions, Jesse Richards reveals to us such extraordinary sites as the first Hall of Fame, a church where an attempted assassination took place in the 1800’s, a part of the Bronx that resembles Capri, the many pocket parks hidden in plain sight, the less frequented corners of Central Park, unusual shops conveying surprising items for all ages, a waterfall tunnel in midtown, and so much more. Also included are curated walks to lead you to several sites in an afternoon. There’s a Downtown River Walk, Neighborhood Parks Walk, Midtown Book-Lover’s Walk, and a Hidden Central Park Walk.
  

Customer Reviews (4.9 / 5 · 19 reviews)

Abigail U. ★★★★★

I bought this for my coffee table and ended up reading it cover to cover in one sitting—the collection of over 100 hidden spots is genuinely surprising, and the way each sketch captures the city's quirks makes you want to explore them all.

Alexander K. ★★★★★

The sketches are so detailed that I caught myself staring at one page for ten minutes, and every turn reveals some weird little corner of the city I've never thought about. It's the kind of book you keep on the coffee table just to spark conversations with guests.

Riley N. ★★★★★

I've been flipping through this every night before bed and it's like a treasure map of the city I thought I knew. The way the artist pulls out those hidden courtyards and odd little staircases makes me want to go exploring this weekend.