New York Detail: A Treasury of Ornamental Splendor

Captivated by the grandeur of the Big Apple, native New Yorkers and visitors alike often miss the abundance of architectural ornaments that adorn the city's venerable buildings. Elegant scrolls, fanciful gargoyles, whimsical creatures, and delicate flowers are just a few of the splendid elements that grace virtually every city block. New York Detail: A Treasury of Ornamental Splendorcaptures the full artistry and imagination of these architectural treasures with over 850 full-color photographs, organized by material (terra-cotta, iron, etc.) and type of ornament. A brief history of New York City architecture and a glossary of terms illustrated with line drawings complete this magnificent compendium. An inspiration for architects and designers, and ideal for both residents and tourists, New York Detail offers a fascinating collection of visual vignettes from the city's most memorable architecture.

Yumiko Kobayashi -- a native of Tokyo -- worked as an architect in New York for several years. She now has her own architectural firm, Acorn Studios, in Japan.

Ryo Watanabe was born in New York, studied woodblock printing at the Pratt Institute, and subsequently taught art both at Pratt and at Rutgers University. He currently lives in Japan.