A beautiful tribute to the glory of the original Pennsylvania Railroad Station During the first half of the 20th century; the original Pennsylvania Station was one of New York Citys grandest landmarks; a palace in the middle of Manhattan. William Lows glorious illustrations pay close attention to detail while still encompassing the large-scale grandeur of Penn Station. Old Penn Station follows a very specific piece of New York City history; but its not just a New York book. The authors research carefully addresses the whole history of the building; from construction to destruction; ending with an acknowledgment of its lasting legacy in terms of historical preservation. Spaces can be powerful; and Old Penn Station honors one particular powerful space which is sure to engender discussion about other historical buildings and monuments all across the nation. This is a classic; beautiful book for history lovers; train lovers; and art lovers alike. Old Penn Station is a 2007 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year and a 2008 Bank Street - Best Childrens Book of the Year.
#1722068 in eBooks 2007-04-03 2007-04-03File Name: B00A27E6E2
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. its a wonderfully written and provocativeBy DJH Oakland CAA very entertaining and insightful story of Ms. Liptons relationship with her mother and life in general; wrapped around her research on Victorine Meurent. As noted by other reviewers; if youre looking for a biography of Victorine; this isnt it (really because there isnt enough factual information known about her for a biography); but its still more informative than "Paris Red". As a story of a woman coming of age in the second half of the 20th century; its a wonderfully written and provocative.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Mary Lou DaurayFabulous book--especially for people who are interested in artists; women artists and art history.9 of 13 people found the following review helpful. An inspiring story with a reward at the end.By The OrnamentalistThis book is more autobiography than the "art history mystery" I had expected; but its an engaging story; and well worth reading. When the missing diary; or some such document; which will tell all about the real life story of Victorine Muerant fails to materialize; a fictional version is inserted in chapters. I was dissappointed by this because it gives more weight to the story Ms Lipton invented and hoped to prove; than to the facts she worked so hard to reveal. The research is tedious and discouraging; and the results will not rock the art history world. The true reward for the author is not the tidbits of information she aquires about her subject; but in her own growth both as a blossoming writer and a woman. Her finest writing is in the descriptions of the things she knows best and experiences first-hand: the great food in Paris; her past life; her present feelings; her beliefs and self-realization. Its encouraging that Ms Lipton has chosen now to be a writer; and not an art historian; and I will look forward to her next effort.