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

Sara Cedar Miller

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810939460 ISBN 13: 9780810939462

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 2003

Synopsis

A visual tribute to America's first public park, published to coincide with its 150th anniversary, documents its artistic and social history, identifies the roles of its designers, and provides period views, original plans and drawings, and modern photographs of the park's restored areas.

About this title

About the Author:

Sara Cedar Miller has been the photographer for the Central Park Conservancy since 1984 and its official historian since 1989. Her photographs have been published in books and periodicals around the world. Miller lectures extensively on the history of Central Park and serves as a park spokesperson on radio and television. She received an M.A. in art history from Hunter College and an M.F.A. in photography from Pratt Institute. Miller lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Review:

There is more to Central Park than meets the eye or is seen at the movies: 843 acres of prime, green land in the middle of one of the most important cities of the world. And man-made too, the landscape sculpted by thousands of men over twenty years to create a haven in the midst of a bustling city. Originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, it has continued to evolve for 150 years and this superb book has been produced to celebrate this great piece of art, this American earthwork, in all its glory. Author and photographer Sara Cedar Miller, the official historian and photographer for the Central Park Conservancy, expertly leads the reader through its labyrinthine walkways, exploring the avenues, terraces, meadows and ravines, all beautifully encapsulated within her stunning photographs. Little known hideaways and gardens are revealed, accompanied by their history and examinations of their wildlife and flora. It is a marvel that this can survive in the midst of New York City and is a testament to the Conservancy of their care and management. Archival footage reveals the evolution of this great garden over the last century and a half and this work will no doubt become a valuable reference for future generations in its continuing development of this American masterpiece. - Lucy Watson

About this edition

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0810939460
• ISBN 13: 9780810939462
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240