Epic of New York City, A Narrative History (Heftet (myke permer))

When Edward Robb Ellis's Epic of New York City first appeared in 1966, it was immediately hailed by readers as lively and informative. The irresistibly readable narrative focuses on the significant events and individuals that have shaped New York: Giovanni da Verrazano, who sailed into New York Harbor in 1524 and declared Manhattan "a pleasant looking place"; the Revolutionary War, when New York saw the worst defeats suffered by Washington's army; the Civil War, when draft rioters nearly burned much of the city; Boss Tweed, whose corrupt political machine shackled city government; the historic blizzard of 1888, when a winter-time hurricane paralyzed the city; Fiorello LaGuardia's glorious reign as mayor; and John Lindsay's run for mayor in 1964, when an independent-minded Republican challenged the Democratic machine.

Ellis's everyman prose captures the ebullience and vivacity of the great city, the flavor of its streets and parks, and the excitement that makes Gotham a magnet for millions every year.