Grand Central Terminal is one of my most favorite places in New York City. I am always amazed by the total beauty of this building each time I visit, it never gets old. In 2013, Grand Central celebrates it's 100th birthday and I was thrilled when their press office sent me this tribute book to review. It is a glorious celebration of one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City.
The photographs are beautiful, this photo on the left of Jules Coutan, the french sculptor, who is responsible for the work of art to the right, The Eagle Hunters, for the facade of the Museum national d'historire naturelle, Paris France. His sculpture above the clock outside Grand Central is quite the most famous.
The design is Beau-Arts, one of my most favorite in the city, and the detail is really quite remarkable.
The back of this coffee-table book is as lovely as the front.
The top photo here is the Main Concourse and Balcony of Grand Central in 1913. The bottom photo is the Lobby and Staircase of the Paris Opera.
The lady to the left is Consuelo Vanderbuilt, painted by Paul-C'esar Hellu in 1900. He was responsible for the gorgeous ceiling and designed the zodiac to arch across the Concourse ceiling. You always need to look up when you are in that area of the terminal, no matter how many times you visit.
The vintage photographs in this book are really wonderful for the person into architecture or history. It is also a joy for a New York lover like myself to see all this glorious history all in one place.
"About 80% of the people arriving at and departing from the terminal use the subway" - Banker's Magazine, January, 1913
This book makes a great gift for the lifelong New Yorker, the people who visit the city, history lovers, architects, and anyone in between. I was so thrilled to be able to receive this book, it will look great on a coffee table and bring so much enjoyment to you. If you have any interest in Grand Central Terminal and New York history, I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
Authors: By the New York Transit Museum and Anthony W. Robins, Introduction by Tony Hiss
Imprint: Stewart, Tabori & Chang
Trim Size: 10" x 9 3/4"
Page Count: 224
Cover: Hardcover with jacket
Illustrations: 150 color and 100 black-and-white illustrations
Imprint: Stewart, Tabori & Chang
Trim Size: 10" x 9 3/4"
Page Count: 224
Cover: Hardcover with jacket
Illustrations: 150 color and 100 black-and-white illustrations
*Disclaimer: There has been no
monetary compensation for posting this content. I received a copy of this book to review for this post by Grand Central Terminal. Brands mentioned are not
affiliates or sponsors of this blog post. The opinions expressed are completely
my own based on my experiences.
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4 comments
What a wonderful book Rosemary.
I had no idea of the Helleu connection. Your post reminded me of how I fell in love with his work many years ago.
On my first trip to New York I had a friend meet me at Grand Central station where else when arriving in New York for the first time!
Paul
I must say that Jackie Kennedy's revamping of the station is a great legacy - it is now a destination as opposed to a place leading to a destination.
That looks like a great book, Rosemary! Thanks for sharing and have a lovely day! xoxo
oh i think i might need that book
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